Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Psalm 51

The other night before bed, I recalled singing this song as a little girl:

"Create in me a clean heart, Oh God.
And renew a right spirit within me..." (Psalm 51:10)

David was a worshiper. He was a skilled musician. He was a humble warrior known throughout Israel. He was a king! As he grew, he attracted people everywhere he went. Perhaps he was like an Old Testament ROCK STAR! He had been anointed as a child to replace King Saul on the throne and was celebrated for one of the most amazing defeats in all of the Israelite days in battle. No wonder Saul was so jealous of this guy! But David, being one of the most celebrated men of all the Old Testament, still messed up. Psalm 51 was his cry of repentance before God involving his secret sin with Bathsheba.

I think we all WANT to remember David for those celebrated accomplishments. I don't think any of us want to believe a Bible hero so great could have messed up so big. Surely when his sin was made known, he was disappointed in himself, or perhaps he regretted his compromising decision. But I happen to believe the saddest part for David was his knowing that his sin had made him FEEL separated him from God's presence- by his own choice and actions.

BUT, (I LOVE THIS PART!!) as his HEART began to turn towards repentance, true repentance, the only thing that mattered to him was to be close to the Lord again.

I kinda think this was a weepy song he cried out to God:

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

What a beautiful heart cry. We know that God's Word promises He will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, it's quite the opposite. He is waiting for us to run to him when we need grace and forgiveness.

Hebrews 4:16 (New King James Version) says:

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Haven't we all been in need of his Grace? As a mom, I am WAITING for my kids to run to me and get it right when they mess up. I never stop loving them because they didn't obey the first time. How silly we forget God the Father loves us also in that way! I just love how God leaves His arms open and he immediately receives us, forgives and LOVES!! Don't camp out in the problems of your life or your mistakes. Just like David, God can use you when you turn your heart to Him.

I love this quote, borrowed from my friend Amy...Troy liked it so much he used it in his Sunday message!

"God is not distracted by style, personality,
appearance or achievement.
His gaze pierces the flesh and weighs the heart.
Then He places His hand upon sincere souls
and turns shepherds into kings."