“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12, 16-17 ESV)
This psalm was written after David committed a horrible sin that would forever change his life and the kingdom of Israel. The Bible describes David as a “man after God’s own heart,” yet he acknowledges he is a sinner in need of salvation that can only come from the Lord. David sinned against God by committing adultery with Bathsheba. He then had Bathsheba’s husband killed in battle so that he could take her as his own wife. Nathan the prophet confronted David concerning his sin which resulted in David writing the words to Psalm 57.
We are sinners in need of salvation just like David. This psalm teaches us that God is the one who can clean us from our sins. God is the one who has to wash us. The Bible tells us in John 3:16 that He does this by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Confess your sins to God and ask Him to create a clean heart within you. Then walk in the joy of His salvation today and forevermore.
