Psalms 51 #5 (broken and contrite)

August 5, 2021 (Thursday)

 

After asking for mercy (v 1), washing (v 2), and purging (v 7), David now asks for “Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.” [Psalm 51:9 NLT] Technically, God is the only individual in the universe that can “forget” our sins. Even though God sees everything, David is asking God to hide His face from his sins.

 

The removal of our stains, “blot out all my iniquities” [ESV] is very difficult. Ever try to remove a sweat stain on a shirt or hat? Not easy. I think God not only has the ability to forgive, but clean as well.  After acknowledging our sin (“fall short”), John claims, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9 ESV] Only God can cleanse the kind of stain sin causes.

 

David now turns his attention to restoration. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10 ESV] Notice the heavy emphasis on the inner being. David’s concern is heart and spirit. Do not miss that David understands the need to CREATE a clean heart. While a right (loyal, faithful) spirit can be renewed, the real issue is a new heart. God promised, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” [Ezekiel 36:26 ESV]

 

Imagine the guilt, shame, and weight of sin… not just forgiven but the crud it leaves behind cleansed.

 

David then renews his request for joy, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” [Psalm 51:12 ESV] There is a Sunday School song that goes, “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.” I remember a verse that goes, “If you’re happy and you know it, tell your face.” Okay, I made that up. The verse goes, “…, then your face will surely show it.”

 

Why do so many people who claim to follow Jesus look like they are sucking on something sour, cooking sauerkraut, and taking out the garbage… all at the same time? We are the most blessed of this earth’s inhabitants and we walk around kicking puppies. Joy is not just a real thing, it is a spiritual thing. Joy is part of who we are, so tell your face!

 

Here is the reality: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” [Psalm 51:17 ESV] Bottom line: God will not reject someone whose heart is broken and repentant. Can I get an AMEN!!!