Sæktu forritið30 Days in the PsalmsSýnishorn
Day #9: Psalm 51
The heading, or superscription, of Psalm 51, which is actually its first verse in Hebrew, indicates that this prayer is associated with David’s repentance and confession following a grave sin. In 2 Samuel 11, David makes illegitimate use of his royal power to snatch something he wants—something that does not belong to him. He takes advantage of Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers, and then arranges the husband’s murder to cover up the sexual abuse. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts the king with a dramatic story, held up like a mirror in which the king can see and recognize his own sin. David acknowledges his evil deeds, repents, and confesses. Psalm 51 expresses that confession and his plea for God’s forgiveness and restoration.
This frank and honest prayer offers us a proven pattern for how to come to God in those moments when sin has shattered our capacity to dwell in the presence of a Holy God. This prayer is rooted in two things: a clear-eyed recognition of the seriousness of sin, and a deep confidence in the compassion and love of the God who longs for fellowship to be restored.
First, David makes no attempt to excuse or minimize his grievous offenses. Notice the clear and honest language with which he describes what he has done: sins (vv. 1–2, 4, 7), guilt (vv. 2, 9), rebellion (v. 3), what is evil in God’s sight (v. 4), and bloodshed (v. 14). He recognizes that although his evil actions harmed human beings (Bathsheba and Uriah) in horrible ways, the heart of his offense is against God himself (v. 4). He also recognizes that he is incapable of closing the breach that his sin has created between him and God; only the Lord himself can do what is necessary. So David cries out: “Have mercy on me! Wash me! Purify me! Restore my joy! Create in me a clean heart! Forgive me! Don’t banish me from your presence! Don’t take your Holy Spirit away from me!”
David can pray that humble prayer of confession and make that bold prayer for forgiveness because he knows the God who stands ready to forgive. He directs his confession and plea to the One characterized by unfailing love and great compassion (v. 1), who judges justly (v. 4), and who restores repentant sinners (vv. 12–19).
If sin has thrown up a barrier between you and the Holy God who loves you, today is a good day to pray David’s prayer of repentance and confession.
Ritningin
About this Plan
Most of Scripture is God’s Word to human beings, but the Book of Psalms records human speech to God. These prayers and songs demonstrate the determination of people of faith to remain connected to God, regardless of their circumstances. Confession, lament, pleading, thanksgiving, praise—all the elements of our communication with God are present. The 150 Psalms in the collection are divided into 5 “books.” During these 30 days, we’ll pray through 6 psalms from each book. Some will be very familiar, others perhaps less so; all will direct our gaze to the God who loves us.
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