Thursday, September 8, 2016       

       Among David’s writings, Psalm 51 is one of my favorites and one which I refer to often. Matthew Henry called it “the most eminent of the penitential psalms, and most expressive of the cares and desires of a repenting sinner.” As with most bible readings, whenever I read this psalm I try to keep in mind who the author or the one being quoted is, as well as the occasion. This one, without a doubt, was David’s acknowledgement and plea for forgiveness concerning his sin against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, probably the greatest blemish upon his character and legacy. We, of course, can learn a lot from this psalm and can apply it to our lives as well. Consider the following:   David began his psalm by asking for mercy from the Lord. (verses 1-2) He then acknowledges his sin in verses 3-4 by saying: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” Sadly, too often God’s children go no further than their acknowledgment of their sins and faults. Not David; he completed the necessary process. He didn’t stop at his confession but proceeded in asking the Lord to help him to not commit such sins in the future. In verse 10, he pleaded: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (right) spirit within me."  Here’s where you and I come in. It is not enough to admit and confess our sins and faults.  Too often I have heard some Christians confess they need help in certain areas of their lives, only to see that no real effort is made to do anything about it. It would be bad enough if the problem areas in our character only hurt us. Unfortunately, they almost always hurt many others. Let’s not be content with just acknowledging our faults, lets make a sincere effort to do something about it and ask God for help. David did. In verse 10, by asking God to create a pure heart within him, he was really saying that he wanted to be different. He realized that if the Lord answered that prayer, he would not be hurting others as he did before. Can you relate to that? If that is you and you are aware that your character flaws have hurt others as well as your own reputation, isn’t it time that you lift up the same prayer as David’s in verse 10? Impossible? Not with God!

God’s promise for today: (Psalm 9:10) “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”