Day 16 - Psalm 51
This psalm is well known for David’s confession and repentance over his affair with Bathsheba. For me, it wasn’t until about 2 years ago when I heard it read out in The Passion Translation (TPT) that it really impacted me and showed me what repentance really looked like.
Psalm 51 can be divided into 3 sections; David’s confession, cleansing and consecration.
Verse 1-6 shows us how remorseful he was of his wrong actions and is incredibly vulnerable as he cries out to God for forgiveness. Even though he feels the guilt and shame, David knows only God can remove that from him. He makes statements about God’s character “I know your abundant love is able to wash away my guilt. Because your compassion is so great, take away this shameful guilt of sin.” (verse 2).
“I know that you delight to set your truth deep in my spirit. So come into the hidden places of my heart
and teach me wisdom.” David was serious about his repentance, and it challenges me to do the same – what surrender.
David feels unworthy to be in relationship with God whilst in this ‘state’. He pleads for God to hide his sins from His face and then into the well-known verse 10 he says this: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NIV).
David knows the heart is key, God said that David was a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). David asks God to give him a new one, create a pure heart, to give him the heart that he first had, a heart that is after God’s.
Verses 12-18 in TPT are some of my favourite!
“Let my passion for life be restored, tasting joy in every breakthrough you bring to me. Hold me close to you with a willing spirit that obeys whatever you say.”
David wants to experience life again, in connection with God, walking with Him daily. Verse 15 onwards, David returns to praise! What a psalm – it's all about repentance and how beautifully God restores us!
Think it over / Meditate on:
Are there areas of your life that you need to repent of, turn away from? Or areas that you want God to restore? Tell Him, express your sorrow and live free today!
What does it mean for God to create a pure heart in you?
Thank God today that He can restore your life, no matter what you might be walking through.