In Psalm 51, David has come to realize that the sins he has committed cannot be covered or forgotten. The darkness of his acts (2 Samuel 11) will remain with him but for the grace of God.
In a previous post, we took a look at the model prayer for some guidelines in how to construct a prayer. We can extend that lesson with Psalm 51. David pleads for forgiveness with urgency and is upfront about the discredit his sins do to him. He asks God to:
- Have mercy (Psalm 51:1)
- Cleanse him (Psalm 51:2)
- Wash him (Psalm 51:7)
- Blot out his sin (Psalm 51:9)
- Hide his face from David’s sin (Psalm 51:9)
- Deliver him from guilt (Psalm 51:14)
We can see that David professes no merit or credit for his position. He relies totally on God’s love and mercy. From the beginning of this prayer God is the basis of David’s hope.
This remains true for New Testament Christians as well. Even after obeying the Gospel, we have to recognize our need for God. Hiding sins, or not repenting from sins, separates him from us and will prevent his grace from reaching us.
As for our own sins, let’s not allow a stubborn heart or pride get in the way of the simple truth that David recognized.
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy – Proverbs 28:13
Daily Bible reading for September 21
Psalm 51
2 Samuel 11
Ezekiel 11:14-25
Luke 14
September 21, 2013
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