Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin [is] always before me. Psalm 51:2-3 NKJV
The eleventh and twelfth chapters of the book of 2 Samuel recount a series of shameful actions by King David—lust, adultery, and an attempted cover-up of his sins that included arranging for the death of one of his top military men.
What a mess David made—for himself, for his family, and for his kingdom.
Despite these horrendous sins, God still loved David and still had a plan for him, so He sent the prophet Nathan to confront the wayward king. David immediately acknowledged that he had sinned against God, and that led to him writing Psalm 51, which begins, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgression”.
David understood something the apostle John wrote centuries later: “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 KJV).
God forgives repentant sinners. So when you mess up, don’t try to rationalize, hide your sin, or hide from God. Instead, run to Him and confess from your heart, knowing that He promises to forgive and cleanse you.
Prayer: Lord, when I sin, don’t let me hide from You. Instead, bring me close so that I can confess my sin from my heart.
The eleventh and twelfth chapters of the book of 2 Samuel recount a series of shameful actions by King David—lust, adultery, and an attempted cover-up of his sins that included arranging for the death of one of his top military men.
What a mess David made—for himself, for his family, and for his kingdom.
Despite these horrendous sins, God still loved David and still had a plan for him, so He sent the prophet Nathan to confront the wayward king. David immediately acknowledged that he had sinned against God, and that led to him writing Psalm 51, which begins, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgression”.
David understood something the apostle John wrote centuries later: “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 KJV).
God forgives repentant sinners. So when you mess up, don’t try to rationalize, hide your sin, or hide from God. Instead, run to Him and confess from your heart, knowing that He promises to forgive and cleanse you.
Prayer: Lord, when I sin, don’t let me hide from You. Instead, bring me close so that I can confess my sin from my heart.