Healing Through Repentance 07.03.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Thursday July 3, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 46-51 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2046-51&version=9
Today we will read and learn about the psalmist's confidence and praise of God; the deception of worldly wealth; and a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that even though it hurts our pride to admit that sin is our own choice and not someone else's, it is only when we truly confess and repent of the sin will we get the healing that we need.
David disregarded the Word of God when he lusted after the beautiful wife of his neighbor, Uriah the Hittite, one of his most loyal soldiers. While Uriah was at war, David committed adultery with Uriah's wife. Through a planned military maneuver initiated by David, Uriah was killed allowing David to legally marry Bathsheba.
It appeared to be a happy ending for David and Bathsheba until Nathan, the fearless prophet of God, appeared and denounced the king's selfish and wicked sins (See II Samuel 12). David's awareness of sin and pleas for forgiveness are very intense in Psalm 51. He prayed eagerly and sincerely, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." (Psalm 51:1-4).
God is merciful to all repentant sinners. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness." (51:10-14). In answer to David's sincere prayers, God forgave him. But the result of his sin was personal shame and suffering for the rest of his life, as well as many tragic personal and national consequences years later.
David did not attempt to justify his actions or shift the blame to someone else. He had a right estimate of sin. He did not elevate himself as one who was above the Law since he was the king, but admitted his rebellion against God and His Holy Law and although their first relationship was adultery, it was forgiven. David then took Bathsheba as his wife and Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon.
We wish that this blight upon David's life had not happened, but it was recorded, not only to reveal the deception and never-ending devastation of lust, but to let us know that God forgives our sins when we repent and pray as David did. This holds out hope to the sinner who truly repents that he can experience the mercy and forgiving love of God. It also teaches the inescapable consequences of sin.
In our fallen nature, we are prone to make excuses for our sins by blaming circumstances, someone else, the tendencies which we have inherited, or the lack of training which we did not receive. Or, as Adam did, we may even blame God (Genesis 3:12). But sin is never justified and is always hated by God. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:22-26).
In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will judge His people (Psalm 50:4). The Lord Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead at his appearing. (II Timothy 4:1).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that I have done wrong through thoughts, actions, and or things that I have said, sometimes by mistake and sometimes on purpose. I have gone my own way and not put you at the center of my life. I am very sorry and ask that you please forgive me. I thank you that I can ask you this because I truly believe that your Son, Jesus, died in my place and, through Him, I have access to you. Please help me to follow you more closely every day and live a life which gives glory back to you. In Jesus' name....Amen.
Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina
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