A Spiritual Wash

“…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”— Hebrews 10:22-23

I took my car to the car wash yesterday.

The dried salt and dirt from the streets had covered the sides and colored it gray instead of maroon. Dirty snow discolored the tires, and salt residue had spattered the windows and windshield, leaving me a dingy gray fog to peer through. When I noticed I had trouble seeing through the windows, I knew it was time to go in.

I sat in line with other dirty cars and waited for the door to go up and green light to go on, indicating I could go in. Finally the door went up with a rush of steam and detergent smell, and I could see the headlights of the other car in front of me. An attendant stood, motioning me forward. I pulled in, put the car in neutral, and watched as he walked around the car, coating detergent on it with a sprayer. The car began to move forward.

Jet sprays hit my windshield, ricocheting off the window and mirrors, and I wondered what would happen if I left the windows down. The car eased slowly forward as water pummeled the roof and sides like a giant storm and I felt like I was in a torrential downpour of detergent and water. Suds blocked my view and finally, the car moved toward the rinse.

More water hit the car, and the suds skittered away, trickling down the sides as another roar started: the dryer. A gale force wind hit my windshield, scattering the remaining water droplets and I sat listening to its bellow. Finally, the windshield was left with tiny pin-pricks of water on the glass as I moved forward out of the wash. I put it in drive and took off, happy to have a windshield I could see out again!

Like our cars, we get dirty too. Baths and showers help our outer body, but where sin has built up a gray murky residue on our souls and hearts, Jesus comes in through baptism to wash us and make us clean again. As we confess our shortcomings to God, the dirt and grime lifts from our spirits, and we are free! We can be peaceful and joyful once again, living in step with the Lord.

God invites us daily to have a “spiritual wash”. He invites us to unload any sins, fears, anxieties, troubles, and doubts and come out clean again. Let’s come to Him today!

Prayer—“God, you are gracious and merciful and desire to wash me clean of my sin and shame. I come to you to be cleansed and thank you for Jesus who cleanses me. Help me to move forward, experiencing all the joy and peace you have to give. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”