Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart
For they shall see God.”
 
                We know from the Book of Genesis, that we were uniquely created in the very image of God with His desire for us to come to see Him, to love Him, and ultimately “know” Him. It has been said that “the more time we spend with our Lord, the more accustomed we become to His face.” This meaning that we, not being able to physically see God, are able to know His character intimately, recognize His works around us, and witness the power of His transformation in our own lives. This gradual transformation comes through salvation in Christ our Savior, knowledge of God’s word, and the work of His Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
 
         However, there is a distinct qualifier that must be present in the life of a believer in Christ that opens the eyes of the heart to “see God.” All throughout scripture there is woven a theme of moral purity, but not for the sake of outer appearance, rather for the inner purity of the heart which demonstrates a sincere love for God and a desire to live a life of purity through Him. The psalmist David prayed sincerely in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (immoveable) spirit within me” and in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God, are a broken spirit (humble spirit), a broken and contrite heart, in these, O God, you will not despise.” Purity of the heart is an intentional commitment to pursue the thoughts, will, and mind of God by living a life focused on what pleases Him, placing utmost value on things that matter eternally, rather than the fleeting pursuits and empty desires of this earthly life.
​

​​      The promise of Christ we find here is that as we seek to be pure in heart, we will see more evidence of God’s presence, His work, and His power in and around our lives. In our efforts to see God more clearly, it is the darkness of sin or even the “good things” of this life that can become distractions which blind us to this blessing. This blessing is possible only with our intentional pursuit of our portion of the promise which requires a commitment to pursue a pure heart above all things in order that the spiritual eyes of our heart be opened to see God. Today, we just like David, can ask God to “create in us a pure heart” and a “steadfast spirit” enabling us to pursue Him more closely. 

Connecting Faith & Life:
 
                Father, thank You for this day and the promise that as we pursue a heart of purity, we will indeed be able to see You more clearly. Help us through the power of Your Spirit, Lord, and the faith You’ve given us to walk more closely with You. Create in us today, a heart which is full of purity, and renew a steadfast, immoveable, humble spirit that will open our spiritual eyes that we might see You. Give us a desire to know You more deeply, see You more clearly, and follow You more nearly. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
​