Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
When I was younger, I did not fully understand the depth of God’s love and mercy. Whenever I would make a mistake, I felt like the Lord had forsaken me and wanted nothing more to do with me. Even when I asked the Lord for forgiveness, I would have a tough time rising above it. I am so glad for the day that I realized that God’s love for me did not change because I had failed. What a blessing to know that condemnation came from the Devil, but conviction came from the Lord.
David had broken several commandments and thought he was getting away with doing so. But God in His mercy sent a prophet to show him what he had done wrong. Psalm 51 is his testimony of God’s mercy and grace.
David’s Prayer
- Verses 3 and 4 – “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.”
- Verse 10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
- Verse 11 – “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
- Verse 12 – “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
- Verse 13 – “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”
Only God and I know my heart. There are times when I fail but I am so thankful that I can come to him the same way that David did, confessing my sin, and seeking forgiveness. I have the assurance that He hears my prayer and that His love never changes.
We can stand on the words of Romans 8:1-2: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Our Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you convict us when we fail, but you do not condemn us. As we sincerely approach you in repentance and submission, your mercy is extended freely to us, and you cleanse our hearts and restore our joy.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
