On our way home today. I hope to be back in normal posting mode tomorrow. I’m a little surprised at today’s reading from my bible app – I’m used to Psalm 51 as the Ash Wednesday reading to begin the season of Lent, which is tomorrow. However, it doesn’t matter when we read a particular scripture passage as long as we learn the lesson the Lord has for us in it.
Our scripture this morning is Psalms 51:7-12.
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
This psalm is attributed to King David, likely after his disobedience recorded in 2 Samuel 12. David has seen his sin and goes to God in repentance. When we have sin to deal with, this psalm is a good place to start. It asks “Create in me a clean heart, oh God”, a plea not just to be forgiven, but a clean heart to obey and serve Him. Like David, we can be reconnected to God through taking responsibility for our selfish actions and sincerely wanting to do better.
Gracious God, we regret the times we have failed and fallen. Forgive us we pray and restore us with Your spirit, that we may carry the Good News of Jesus everywhere. Amen.