Who is Keith Green?
Keith Green was a Christian musician, songwriter, and minister who was born in 1953 and died in 1982. He was known for his passionate and heartfelt songs, which often focused on themes of faith, justice, and social action. Green was also a vocal advocate for the Christian message of salvation and the need for repentance and renewal.
The Story Behind “Create In Me A Clean Heart”
“Create In Me A Clean Heart” is one of Keith Green’s most famous songs. The lyrics are based on Psalm 51, which is a prayer of repentance and forgiveness. The psalm was written by King David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband to be killed in battle.
Green was inspired to write the song after reading Psalm 51 and reflecting on his own need for forgiveness and cleansing. He wrote the lyrics in one sitting, and the song quickly became a favorite among his fans and fellow Christians.
The Lyrics of “Create In Me A Clean Heart”
The lyrics of “Create In Me A Clean Heart” are simple but powerful. The song begins with a plea for God to create a clean heart within the singer, and to renew a right spirit within him. The singer acknowledges his own sin and the need for forgiveness, and seeks to be restored to a place of purity and righteousness.
The chorus of the song is a repeated refrain, which asks God to “cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” This line is a reference to Psalm 51:11, where David asks God not to remove his presence and guidance from him, despite his sin and unworthiness.
The final verse of the song is a declaration of faith and trust in God’s mercy and grace. The singer acknowledges his own weakness and failure, but affirms that God’s love and forgiveness are greater than any sin or mistake.
The Legacy of Keith Green
Keith Green’s music and ministry continue to inspire and impact people around the world. His songs are still sung in churches and worship services, and his message of repentance, faith, and social action remains relevant and powerful today.
Green’s life was cut short when he died in a plane crash at the age of 28, but his impact on the world of Christian music and ministry will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
“Create In Me A Clean Heart” is a beautiful and timeless song that expresses the deep longing for forgiveness and renewal that is at the heart of the Christian message. Keith Green’s passionate and sincere delivery of the song has made it a classic that continues to be loved and appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds.
