The Blessing of Repentance
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Psalm 51 is one of David's songs of repentance. The prophet Nathan had rebuked him for his sins concerning his affair with Bathsheba, and her husband Uriah's death in battle (2 Samuel 11). David confessed his sin, and wrote Psalm 51, which expresses his remorse and repentance. He declares his guilt and cries out to God, "I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me." (Ps. 51:3)

Although David's life was punctuated by notoriously sinful behavior, he is referred to by God as "a man after my own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14).  The answer to this apparent contradiction is the repentant heart and obedient spirit within David. God said of David, "He will do everything I want him to do." (Acts 13:22) The Lord knows we are weak and sinful. It is our obedience that God desires, not perfection. And, when we repent of our sins, God is faithful to forgive us (see 1 John 1:9).  His abundant mercy is declared in Lamentations 3:22-23: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions never fail, they are new every morning".

The secret to Godly living is not sinless perfection, but rather a heart that is broken over our own sins. In David's song of repentance he expresses it this way: "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise." (Ps. 51:17) David asks, "Create in me a pure heart, O God."(Ps. 51:10) The blessing of repentance is forgiveness of sin, a pure heart, and a restored relationship with God. David understood that these were things that can be received only through true repentance before God. Be honest with God about your sin. He is merciful toward those with a penitent heart.        

Pastor Daniel Rhodes