Computer Virus

Psalm 51:10,12 – Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (NIV)

"My computer detected a potential worm and would not return my e-mail." My friend and colleague used these words when responding to one of my devotionals. Sooner or later, those of us who use computers regularly will experience or know of someone who has experienced an unwanted virus. This ugly little worm stays hidden in the memory or in the hard drive of our computers and causes all manner of problems, including destroying the documents and files we have laboured so long to put together. The only way to get rid of this virus and stop its destruction is to eradicate it from the system.

Sometimes we are not aware that Satan has sent his worms, like jealousy, envy, malice, or pride, to infect our spiritual lives, until one day we discover that our prayers seem to be bouncing back at us, and God seems far away. Upon further examination, we will discover that God hasn't moved. Instead, Satan's "worms" have crowded our memories, thus disrupting our communication with God.

When this happens, we need to ask God to eradicate the virus, to create in us a clean heart, and to restore the joy of our salvation.

Prayer: Forgive us, heavenly Father, when we neglect to come to You for our spiritual check-up. Examine our hearts, and take out all the little sins that are keeping us from having a pure relationship with You. Amen.