We’ve been slowly walking through the Book of Psalms, and this week we’re looking at (Psalm 51). The Psalms do such a great job of talking about the topics and emotions we most often deal with in life.

There’s so much in this chapter, each verse is full of wisdom we can soak in, use, and grab hold of daily. For example, this chapter gives 21 different requests for restoration, things we can often relate to….and 2 sacrifices that will always be accepted from the Lord.

In this passage King David is crying out to God for mercy and forgiveness for his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Some scholars say it was probably a full year from the time he committed the sins, to the time he wrote this Psalm. He’s not trying to hide or justify his sin, he’s taking full responsibility for it. He knows his sin has separated him from God.

What stood out to me the most in this passage comes from verses 10-12… “Create in me a pure (clean) heart, oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation and uphold me with your generous Spirit.”

When David was praying “create in me”, he was using the same word used in Gen 1:1 for the creation of the world. David knew he needed something which only God could create. David was full of guilt, grief, and remorse, that he knew he needed a spiritual heart surgery.

I believe all of us can relate to this. We all experience guilt and feelings of separation. Our sin might bring satisfaction for a while, but nothing can compare with the joy that comes from a pure heart and walking with God. With a “clean heart” and a “right” and “willing” spirit, we can walk away from mistakes and move confidently forward.

We can pray David’s prayer:

1. That God creates a pure heart in us.
2. That God renews a steadfast Spirit in us.
3. That God restores the joy of our salvation.
4. That God upholds us with that Spirit.

May we each recognize and grab hold of the Truth of Scripture. And then honor and glorify God with it.