"God, create a clean heart for me
and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Psalm 51:10

After being ranked No. 1 in the nation (Division III) earlier in the 2005-06 season, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team went on a roller coaster ride through the rest of the season.

They finished a disappointing fourth in the conference standings and second in the conference tournament, narrowly missing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. After receiving one of the at-large bids to the tournament IWU head coach, Scott Trost, said, "We're looking forward to a clean slate."

One of the great things about sports is that when we have a bad game, or even a bad season, we can put it behind us and look forward to the next opportunity. Once the next game comes or the postseason starts, we have the opportunity for a fresh start and hopefully a renewed passion for our sport.

David wrote Psalm 51 after a disappointing letdown in his life. There he basically said, "God, clean the filth from my heart and give me a renewed passion for following you." David was seeking a fresh start with God. We've all had times where we've dropped the ball in the game of life (Romans 3:23), but the Bible tells us that when we put our faith in Jesus Christ He takes away our sin and gives us a clean slate (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). We become a new person with a new purpose.

No matter how bad things have been in the past, you will be given a clean slate when you commit your life to Jesus Christ.

When have you been given a clean slate in sports? How did you respond? Has your heart been cleaned by God? How? What areas of your heart need to be cleaned up today?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Josh Carter is an East Central Illinois FCA Representative. A former high school teacher and coach, Josh is happily married to his wife Dena. They have two children, Aaron and Kindall.

In Jesus' name, Amen.