Psalm 51: week 4

7 Penitential Psalms: Week 4: Read Psalm 51 in your favorite translation

As we move forward in our study of the spiritual path of King David we begin to see the emergence of the “man after God’s own heart”. This psalm is written after David has been confronted by the Prophet Nathan about the sin in his life. Specifically the fact that God knows about the despicable things David did to be able to have beautiful lady Bathsheba for his own. [For those of you old enough to remember when the Veggie Tales videos were new- every time I think about this story I can’t help but think about the King and his rubber ducks.] As we look at this psalm and the King’s growth, I hope that you will see that what God has given you is enough for you, and that you will stop looking at what others have and saying I need to have that to be happy.

Key verses: 51:1-2: Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

It is only God that can clean our spirits and make us whole. Nothing we can do will ever be good enough to get close to God. The best news about that fact is that God is always able and willing to clean us. As we have moved along the path that David was traveling, he has reached the point that is the truth of our journey as well- happiness comes from the Lord, not from our circumstances or our stuff.

In verse 10, David utters the great plea of those of faith- “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This is the beginning of what Christians call the discipleship relationship.

This psalm is the Old Testament version of asking Christ into our lives at the point of salvation. If you are reading this and have never asked Jesus into your life as a personal savior and Lord, I pray that you would read this psalm of David – with sincerity in your heart – along with David “Have mercy on me, blot out my sins, and create in me a clean heart”. Then ask God to restore in you the joy of salvation (see verse 12) And start that personal journey with David into God the Father’s loving arms. [ and PLEASE reach out to us using the comment form @ SeedSpreadersMinistry.org - we would be honored to share with you the next step in your journey with God!]