Psalm 51

Psalm 51 was part of my bible study this morning. I am mindful that David prayed this to our Father centuries ago, but this prayer is so appropriate for today and for each and every one of us. I am overwhelmed at the realization that all of my sins even those that I have yet to commit have already been blotted out. Can you recognize the magnitude of such mercy and unmerited grace? Wow.

I find it so apropos as I struggle with feelings of inadequacy this week, God would give me this amazing Psalm to read. God thinks I am good enough. He doesn't require sacrifice from me. He doesn't require penance and flogging. There was a moment last night when I was tempted to provide a "penance" for not being good enough.

I am so glad that God's heart isn't as hard as my own. I pray that he would soften my heart and know as I come to understand the gift of salvation and grace it is easier for me to extend forgiveness. Who are any of us to withhold it, eh? My prayer for today is that God would create in me a pure heart, and renew a right spirit within me.

I pray that he not cast me from his presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. I pray that the joy of my salvation be restored and that God would grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me, and to do His will. Will you join me in praying this for your life as well?

Walk in His grace!

Psalm 51Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;then bulls will be offered on your altar.