MARCH 12
Psalm 51:2, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!”
You know the story…David saw Bathsheba, desired her, and had relations with her, resulting in her pregnancy. To cover his sin, he tried to have her husband, Urijah, sleep with her, but he refused. David then arranged for Urijah to be killed in battle. After Bathsheba’s mourning, she became David’s wife. Eventually, Nathan confronted David about his sin, leading to the confession of sin we find in this psalm.
John MacArthur summarized David’s feelings: “Sin made him dirty, guilt made him sick, disobedience made him lonely, and rebellion made him fearful, longing for pardon.”
David’s prayer in Psalm 51 reflects his recognition of his sin’s seriousness and his appeal to God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1-4). He wasn’t just sorry for being caught, but genuinely repented, knowing only God could cleanse his guilt. David accepted full responsibility, acknowledging his sin against God (Psalm 51:3-4). He confessed without excuses, using words like transgressions, sin, evil, and iniquity to describe his offense (Psalm 51:5).
David sought cleansing of his inner being (Psalm 51:6,10). Sin revealed his brokenness, leading him to God, the only remedy. God alone can forgive and create a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). David prayed for a restored heart, joy, and a willing spirit to serve and worship God, desiring to reach sinners. His confession reflected a heart seeking God’s cleansing and restoration, and God answered his prayer.
The sole remedy for sin’s guilt is the genuine repentance and confession that leads to God’s forgiveness and cleansing!
Application Questions: How did David’s sin affect him? What were some of the important elements of his confession (verses 3-6)? What did David ask from God? What lessons can you glean from David’s confession as it pertains to your own confession of sin?
LookingtoJesus 