Psalm 51:5-9 NIV 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
I remember reading somewhere once that “honesty is the first step to admitting your true condition”. We see that here with David. He’s being very honest with God about his sins, which opens up the rest of his prayer – First to Forgive him, then to Cleanse him and finally to Use him (if you continue your reading past vs 9).
When David cried out for God’s mercy, he acknowledged the true source of the problem and where his healing must begin. Until there is truth in the inner crevasses of the soul, as long as we lie to ourselves, we can never get better, and God cannot teach us wisdom. Would you like to be set free? It can happen, but you’ll have to let the truth hurt you first.
David is saying, “I know what you want, Lord. You want me to stop playing games and stop making excuses. I’m ready to do that. No more excuses, no more games. I’m guilty in Your eyes and I admit it.”
Not only does David not hide his sin, and not only does he not minimize his sin, he begs God for a deep work of grace to cleanse him from the stain of sin. He wants God to wash him from the inside out. Because he wrote this psalm himself, we see that he doesn’t care who knows what he has done and how desperately he seeks the grace of God.
True confession is a humbling experience. Be real with God, be humble and honest – tell Him where you have sinned. If God forgave David, don’t you know that He will forgive you? Forgiveness is always possible but only for those who deal deeply and honestly with their own sin.
Father, I pray for a clean heart, and a renewed mind. I pray that for everyone who seeks your Word today. Make us white as snow. Thank You for your unfailing grace. Amen
Toni