Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” vs. 1
Psalm 51:1-10
As the various psalms were collected and made available for temple and liturgical use, Psalm 51 became known as a psalm of David, and it’s not hard to understand why. The scriptural accounts of David’s life paint a picture of a man with powerful passions. Not only did he lead the rebellion against King Saul, Israel’s first king, he was attracted to beautiful women and was even willing to commit murder to make another man’s wife his own. Nothing is spared in describing his despicable actions, and only after being confronted by the prophet Nathan did he confess his sin. And when he finally did turn to God and ask for forgiveness it’s easy to imagine him using the words of this psalm. We use these same words regularly during the season of Lent when we’re forced to our knees by our own brokenness. It’s an earnest and authentic plea to our merciful and loving God for pardon and peace. As we confess our transgressions, we promise that we will repent, knowing full well that what we need is a complete makeover, whatever it takes to renew in us the right spirit and a clean heart. And finally, it’s good to remember that ultimately Israel remembered David, not as a murderous adulterer, but as a good and pious man.
Thought for the Day: When have I been forced to my knees by my brokenness?
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