“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin” Psalm 51:1 & 2
David’s affair with Bathsheba got her pregnant, and to cover up, he arranged for her husband to be killed. Then he hurriedly married Bathsheba. He thought he had covered up well until Nathan the prophet confronted him. How did David respond?
1. He confessed his sin. It wasn’t a flippant “I’m sorry. I’ll do better next time,” but a deep realization that he had sinned against the LORD! (2 Samuel 12:13) Sin is rebellion against God. Sin puts a wedge between us and God. Sin hurts His people.
2. David realized he didn’t deserve forgiveness. “You desire truth in the inner parts, but I’ve been a sinner from birth,” he said. (Psalm 51:5, 6, 10) Sin is a fundamental condition of our nature, not a temporary lapse into error. “Create in me a pure heart,” he cried.
3. David asked God to forgive him. On what grounds? “For your own name’s sake,” he prayed in Psalm 25:11. He counted on God’s character of mercy, unfailing love and compassion.
4. David moved on in hope. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation…then will I teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you” (Psalm 51:10-13).
When we have sinned, we are prone to think that, even though God forgives us, our life of service is finished. Our reputation is ruined. We’re a complete failure. Satan wants us to live in defeat, but God wants us to live in victory. He forgives us and gives us hope that we can rise above failure and make a new start.
Sometimes our greatest failure becomes our greatest opportunity for ministry. Is there a sin in your life that you need to confess to God and make right? Accept God’s forgiveness and let Him restore you.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen.
by Helen Grace Lescheid
Used by Permission
To read more of Helen’s writings go to http://www.helenlescheid.com
Are you ready to ask the Holy Spirit to direct your life? Why not pray this simple prayer right now and by faith invite God to fill you with His Spirit:
Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you by directing my own life. I thank you that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.
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