Tidbits from Psalm 51

Psalm 51 is one of my favortite Psalms of all time. It's the Psalm David wrote after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his affair with Bathsheba and his murder of Bathsheba's huband. Although it was deeply personal for David, it also sets a beautiful example of what our hearts should look like before the Lord as we humbly seek His forgiveness...

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions." (V1)-  Here we see that God forgives us, not because of we deserve it. He forgives us according to His great name and character. He forgives us because He is the source of all love and mercy. He is love. He is mercy. Therefore, He forgives dirty sinners like us. It's for His name and His glory. What a great reminder to approach God with awe and humility. We have no worthiness to provoke His forgiveness. We are not entitled to His mercy.

"Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight..." (V4) - Our sin is against God. Yes, we can sin against others as well, hurt them, harm them, betray them, but ultimately our sin is against our sinless and Holy God. How often do I forget how depraved I really am in comparison to my absolutely pure and faithful God? But this verse reminds me time and time again to confess the utter failings of my heart to my forgiving God, instead of slipping into the pride and deceit of thinking "I'm not so bad..."

"Let the bones you have broken rejoice..." (V8) - The pain of God's discipline and conviction shoould lead to joyful repentnce! God' "breaks our bones" in a spiritual sense to ultimately heal us from sin and strengthen us in holiness.

"Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you." (V13) - The story of our own salvation and ongoing repentance should be shared. God's redemption in our own lives IS the Gospel and we are called to share it with others. God's work in our lives is a tool He uses to draw other sinners to Himself. So be honest about your sin and give the glory to God for the way He continues to save you from your flesh day after day!

"For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (V16-17) - God cares about our hearts more than our actions. He doesn't want religious followers who sacrifice and perform deeds out of a sense of pride or fear. Instead, He wants believers that do good works because of a heart that loves and worships a good God. Notice all the verses above reflect a heart that is contrite. Humbly asking for the Lord's mercy, humbly admitting sin, joyfully thanking God for His forgiveness, and joyfully sharing the Gospel. God delights in a humble, joyful heart.