Need Forgiveness? (Psalm 51)

As a man, one of the hardest things is to admit failure. In this passage David doesn't just come clean, he lays everything out on the table and shows us the true heart of God.

David was the King, a prophet, a singer of songs (like me), and the spiritual leader for his people. He was "kind of a big deal." Not only did he commit adultery with Bathsheba, but was responsible for the death of her husband Uriah. Despite his best efforts of keeping this whole scandal on the down low, he is found out.

David starts out by asking God for three things. First, that God would have Mercy on him. David understood that what he did was a crime. Justice is what he deserved but mercy is what he sought. Second, that God would blot out his transgressions…or sins. Sin is a debt that requires payment. Lastly, that God would wash and cleanse him. David wanted to be completely cleansed from the stain of sin.

I love how much of God's heart David reveals. He knows that God's mercies are abundant or numerous (vs. 1) God doesn't hand out his mercy with a medicine dropper; it's more like a fire hose. David realizes that sacrifices will not even please God. (vs 16,17) A contrite heart and a broken spirit are what God desires. Because only when we truly understand what our sin has done to the Fathers heart can we earnestly seek forgiveness. I find it amazing that in that day when sacrifices were the common practice in response to sin, David knew it wasn't the action of sacrifice that God wanted.

David didn't make excuses for his sin; he took full responsibility. The problem that we so often have is not taking full responsibility for our actions. The amazing thing about Jesus is that he is ready to stand in our place.

1 John 2:1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Without the full acknowledgment of our sins Jesus cannot stand in our place and we cannot experience true forgiveness. David knew Gods heart and wanted all that He had to offer, do you?

God, give us Your heart. Reveal the areas in our lives that don't match up with Yours. And give strength to confess everything to you; knowing that You, Jesus, will stand in our defense.