Mercy

Scripture:

 ¹⁰  Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right^[b] spirit within me.
¹¹  Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

~Psalms 51:10-12


Observation:


Psalms 51 is David's outcry for forgiveness after being revealed by Nathan for committing adultery and murder. The incident is considered the greatest sin David commits, which comes to show that no man is immune to sin. David deserved death, as he also condemns himself inadvertently through Nathan's story of the poor man's lamb that was slaughtered. God is just to deliver rightful punishment for David's sin, rather He shows mercy instead. David unfortunately commits this sin, but in response what did he do right in the aftermath of his wickedness?  He turns to God. In response, God forgives David. God is like a father patiently waiting for us to come back to Him. David knew this as he was a man after God's heart.

Application:

How many times have I turned away from God and blatantly committed sin? How many times have I hurt brothers and sisters around me through my sinful actions? Countless. These days I feel like I'm constantly hurting those around me by what I say and the selfish way I act. I feel like I'm fighting this uphill battle of dousing the fires of sin I've started through my actions. I feel inadequate to do anything right. But through it all, scripture gives me hope that I can take the example of David cry out to God for mercy. He desperately seeks God to forgive and to reconnect the broken connection he has with the Almighty. God has anointed me as His child and calls me to beckon him even when I commit my horrendous sins. Jesus wants to be that person who dusts me off and accepts me into his embrace. How precious is he who takes me back after I've been covered in filth.

In short there is nothing I can do to repay Christ's grace and mercy. I deserve the just punishment of death. Like David I *MUST* seek Christ in repentance and not try to hide or ignore the issue.

Prayer:

Father, I deserve death. I deserve to be in hell. I deserve to be separated from you. Words cannot express how thankful I am to receive your salvation when all I deserve is death. You are a pure and righteous God , but you took upon the cross the filth of my actions. Thank you! Jesus help me to love like you. Help me to come to you in repentance whenever I sin and not try to hide it or run away from it. I desperately need you to restore my soul. Give me the Holy Spirit, so I may turn away from wickedness. Thank you Jesus for your cleansing blood.

In Jesus Name,
Amen