Clean

Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

An explosion of black ash. Not a volcano; my espresso machine. My first clue that something was amiss was when it wasn’t brewing espresso. Frustration turned to realization that it was clogged and was protecting me from drinking a polluted beverage. Very polluted. I began the process of applying the cleansing solution and that’s when the blackness erupted. The solution released the clog and poured the blackness that would have been mistaken for goodness, had it not been for the cleansing. It took a few cycles until the water was once again clear and clean. I even looked for replacements, if the cleansing didn’t work. But, thankfully, it did work and all was well once again.

Then, I saw my heart in the white cup. I saw how I was clogged and refusing to release because of layers of black vile that I didn’t even know were there. I saw how, if I weren’t for the crucified cleansing applied to me, I would still be layered in ash. How I wouldn’t have pure waters to flow. There is no way I could cleanse myself. The only thing I could do is accept the cleansing – as long as it took – until I was pure for goodness to flow again. And that cleaning needs to happen on a refulat basis to stay pure and healthy - not to wait until something appears wrong. By then it could be far too late and very dangerous. I could have mixed black water with brewed coffee and never known the difference. If vile becomes my normal, then it's too late. Ash accumulates over time – it’s not preventable, but it is cleanable. I’m not replaceable, but I am redeemable.

Unfortunately, the only way to know the inner chambers are vile is for pressure to reveal the release – or in this case – the blockage. Sometimes, what looks like frustration is actually a protection. It’s all in perspective. If the results aren’t coming forth, perhaps I need to examine the heart’s condition and rectify. The cleansing isn’t pretty – in fact, it’s pretty disgusting. But persistence pays off and the results are glorious! Nothing greater than clean and coffee!