David wanted his heart renewed because he did not like how his sin had changed him; that is, sin was an expression of his character, BUT it also made his heart worse – it derives from what a person is, yet it also makes one worse. We are not in a static state; we are deteriorating as a person if we are not going forward and improving; that is, in your sanctification, unless you are working to go forward, then you are backsliding; one cannot stand still in the Christian race. David knew that he had harmed his soul and he wanted God to make him the kind of person he was before, a consistent, god-fearing person. Are you a Christian who no longer has zeal, earnestness, passion for Christ? Are you praying that God would give that to you again?