I was reading Psalm 51 this morning. I’m reading through Psalms again and will do it all year. In the past as I’ve read this psalm I’ve focused on a verse or 2 or 3. 🙂 (The whole psalm is rich). The background of this psalm is pretty well known- the adultery of David and subsequent murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. This psalm is David’s prayer of repentance.
As I read this psalm this morning, words jumped out to me. I was going to highlight one specific verse but then I looked closer. I invite you to do the same. Here the the words:
- Have mercy on me -> blot out
- Wash me thoroughly -> cleanse me
- Purge me
- Wash me
- Create in me
- Renew a right spirit
- Cast me not away
- Take not
- Restore to me
- Uphold me
- Open my lips
What are they? 2 things. One, all are verbs. Action words. Not dormant. Two, actions only God can do. There is nothing there David could do. It was God’s actions. The only David could do is found at the tail of verse 15: “And my mouth will declare your praise.”
David’s repentance was essential, but his turnaround was not going to be reliant on anything he could do himself. It was God! David knew his works or his good deeds or his sacrifices were not going to cut the mustard. God would do the action; David would be the recipient. Any forgiveness I receive is not reliant on my goodness or my works. What I do- in this case declare His praise- is the result of God’s actions. It is He who has mercy, washes, purges, creates, renews, keeps me close, stays faithful, restores, upholds and then give me reason to praise. It’s called Grace. I like the sound of that word! 🙂
“Father, thank you for your grace. Thank you that my restoration is not dependent on my goodness but on your faithfulness and love. Help to respond to your grace, you actions, with words of praise from a renewed heart.”
A verse of hope… I believe included to show the world, despite what you have done, God offers his grace. Good reminder this morning!
I see it as that also Ryan. Personally, I’m glad for that grace. Thanks for coming by.
Psalm 51 is one of my favorite passages in the God’s Word. I agree with Ryan–it is so full of hope for all of us sinners. Great insights this morning, Bill. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Pam for the comment and for coming by. I love the grace shown here.
I love how you have pulled the curtain back on Psalm 51 today, Bill. Yes, it’s all God’s actions, by His grace, that we are restored and redeemed. Then we, in turn, can give Him all the praise and glory.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. it was an eye-opening morning for me. Appreciate the comment.
I am with Ryan, hope verses, good place to run to when we beat ourselves up. thanks also for the information to click on the date, it worked. Have a friend who lives in Bolivia working on my. He was one of our dorm guys, smart as a whip in these kind of things.
Thanks for leaving a comment Betty. It is easy to beat ourselves up. But I’m thankful God doesn’t do that. Hope you get your site fixed.
Excellent Word today, Bill. It is all about His grace and our humility to just begin to grasp it.
Thanks Floyd. Grace and humility sort of go hand in hand don’t they?