Forgiven and Washed Clean

Today I was reading the prayer of King David in Psalm 51 and was imagining the heart-felt way in which he would have prayed it. This was no wishy–washy prayer or mindless repetition of something learnt years previously. It would have been prayed with all the conviction and passion David could muster because he truly was heartbroken at the realisation that he had sinned gravely against God. King David had just been confronted by the prophet Nathan and his response was deep, heart wrenching repentance. ‘I am guilty’, he cried out to God, ‘But you can make me clean and renew a steadfast spirit within me’ (Psalm 51:10).

That prayer moved the heart of God and restored the breach in David and God’s relationship. David did bear the consequences of his sin but what he feared most – permanent separation from God – did not happen. God didn’t cast David from His presence or remove His Holy Spirit from him. In fact David was restored to serve God for many years after that incident and was recorded in Scripture as one who fulfilled the purposes of God in his generation (Acts 13:36). David – forgiven! David – washed clean! David – restored to serve his God! The important thing to remember from this story is that David, you and I all serve the same God!!

Perhaps you identify with David a little more closely than you would like to. Perhaps you have done things for which you now feel very ashamed. The enemy is whispering in your ear – ‘guilty as charged’ and you can’t see beyond that failure. May I encourage you today by pointing you in the direction of our forgiving and restoring God? If He can restore King David, He can also restore me and you!

Prayer: Father God, You said that if we confess our sins to You, You will forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. We run to You today and not away from You. Thank You that a broken and contrite heart You will not despise (Psalm 51:17). Amen.