Written by Iris Niven
At the time of writing, the twinkling lights that bedecked our houses and cheered us through the festive season have now been packed away for another year. Already the month of February invites us to look forward to signs of Springtime with longer daylight hours and the return of colour to our gardens. Its name is derived from the words Februa or Februum meaning ‘to cleanse’ and is associated with the Roman festival of purification and atonement during which citizens would cleanse themselves and their cities ahead of the arrival of Spring. Thus in our modern culture, it morphed into the spring cleaning of households, with the clearing of space in cupboards and the washing of windows to welcome in the full benefit of fresh light. It brings everything into sharper focus and unveils the shadowy corners that have been undisturbed during cold wintry days. There is, however, little to be gained from cleaning the outside of windows whilst leaving smears and grime on the inside. The cleansing is still incomplete, and the inadequacy will become evident as soon as the sunlight filters through the glass.
We may acknowledge a parallel here in human lives.
At a deeply significant point in his life, King David became fully aware of the imperative call from God to address his need of inner cleansing despite the outward glory he carried as a ruling and chosen king. The Prophet Nathan fearlessly confronted David with the awesome weight of his sin and David recognised the devastating truth. He made no excuses for his actions and repented not only with remorse over the consequences his wrongdoing, or to delude himself that the passage of time would diminish the memory of it.
Psalm 51 has been named “The Penitent’s Plea”, for David could offer no adequate sacrifices. He could only cast himself on the grace and mercy of sovereign God whose justice and holiness could not be overlooked, yet who had the power to forgive, restore and to bring reconciliation. Thus David prayed, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me.”(Psalm 51 v 2 and 3).
He further asks, “Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (v 10)
He longs for the purification that would re-admit him to the joys of fellowship with God. If we too are longing at the beginning of a new year, to know that God has provided the cleansing we seek, we can grasp the assurance found in Romans ch 3 v 22 regarding the gift of righteousness that only God can give.
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (v 23) There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (v 24) and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” See also 2 Corinthians v 17 – 21.
This year ahead may bring many changes in our personal lives, but also in national and world politics. Nations are seeking leaders who can be trusted to govern with wisdom, integrity and transparency. What secrets and surprises may be revealed? If we look at the evening forecast map on our screens we will see the dark landmass of the UK surrounded by sea. Clusters of bright lights create a spangled pattern over the nation, concentrated in brightness where the cities are marked, but also scattered over the more remote areas. If each little light were to represent someone at prayer for the blessing and guidance of our nation, what difference, hope, and compassionate decisions might we be granted?