Following his horrific sin, David turned to his God with a profound request. “God, create in me a new heart” (Psalm 51:10)
What does the Bible mean by a “new heart”?
Ezekiel’s word for “new heart” means “an undivided heart” (Ezekiel 11:19). In the New Testament, the term generally refers to the inner man (2 Corinthians 4:16).
The evidence of the new heart is a changed life. God does not enter a heart that he does not change.
Like David, we all have sexual sin as part of our stories. And like David, we must return to our God. In repentance. And sincerity. With this one request.
Recovery Step: Make David’s prayer your prayer today. “God, create in me a new heart.”
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
