Responding to God involves not just repenting of our individual sinful acts. It also involves a recognition that our hearts and minds have been corrupted by the world and the devil, "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2).
We must see the need for a new heart, a different way of thinking, a right spirit and attitude—a transformed mind. We must see that the human heart is deceitful and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9). We should desire to replace our mind with the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5).
Like King David, we should cry out to God to "create in me a pure heart" (Psalm 51:10). Our heart—that is, our mind—is the main source of our problem with sin. Actions begin as thoughts. Our thinking is a deeply ingrained part of who and what we are. We must cry out to God for His divine help in cleaning us from the inside out.
Consider David's heartfelt plea of repentance: "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me" (Psalm 51:1-3).
David continues: "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop [an aromatic plant used in ritual purification], and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (verses 6-10).
