Daily Devotional for Saturday, January 6

David’s Plea of Repentance

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise,” Psalm 51:17.

Why do we feel like we always have to justify our mistakes? We all know that person who is never at fault in any mistakes. Instead of an apology, we get an explanation. Have you ever done that to God? You may be under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but instead of putting away your sinful desires, you justify why it would be okay to go ahead with your plans or choices.

This psalm, written after Nathan the prophet rebuked him, is a sincere, repentant declaration of a truly broken David. The weight of his sin and his choices to cover it up were crashing down upon him. In many people whose lives are recorded in the Bible, we see a hardness of heart develop when they are called to repentance or humility. The opposite was true with David. He could have easily put Nathan to death, hardened his heart and refused to submit to the will of God. Instead, he was so broken that he wanted to record his apology and give it to the musicians who attended the ark, lest he ever forget how much God had forgiven him.

Four major sections of this psalm are worth noting. First, a plea for mercy and forgiveness. David recognized God had no reason other than His love and mercy to forgive sin against Him. Second, an acknowledgment of sin. David made no excuses. Third, he asked for an internal renewal, a washing away of sin and a restoration of the joy of his salvation. Lastly, David declared that he would praise and serve God outwardly and faithfully for all his days. This was why David was known to be a man after God’s own heart.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Oh, that we would have a truly repentant heart like David. Ask the Lord to reveal any area of unrepentance in your heart and truly praise Him for His wonderful mercy.

Ashley Ridings