Psalm 51 (Day 19): Repent and Rejoice

"For I know my transgressions

and my sin is always before me."

Psalm 51:3, NIV

Beginning with the word "For," this verse points back to that which was previously said:

"Have 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."

Psalm 51:1-2, NIV

Essentially, in verse 3, the penitent David provides the reason for his earlier plea. His request for mercy and cleansing came about because he acknowledges his transgressions and his sin is always at the forefront of his mind.

On this nineteenth day of my 50 days of waiting for Pentecost Sunday, O Holy Spirit of God, would you please impart wisdom to my heart and mind as I reflect upon this verse?

How does David "know" his transgressions?

David's tone is highly suggestive of deep sorrow, heartbreak, and affliction over himself and of his sins (which have been made public). He knows his transgressions because, through the prophet Nathan, the Spirit of the Lord convicted and convinced him of the error of his ways. He knows that, having abused the power of his position as king, he had found a way to rationalize and indulge his lust, adultery, murder, and cover-up. He knows that it would indeed take the unfailing love and the great compassion of the Most High God to blot out his transgressions, wash away all his iniquity, and cleanse him from his sin.

Thus, David repented.

He turned from sin.
He turned toward God.

Do you and I "know" our transgressions?
Do you and I acknowledge our transgressions?
Do you and I admit our need for God's unfailing love and great compassion?

There is One who really "knows" our transgressions. The Son of God took on flesh and became the Son of Man so that He would fitfully occupy the office of high priesthood -- one who is "able to sympathize with our weaknesses" and "one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin" (Heb 4:15).  

Jesus knows.
Jesus cares.
Jesus sees.

And because He knows, cares, and sees, He offers Himself as the sacrifice -- the one and only sacrifice -- that can eradicate our transgressions.

We are thus invited to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit, turn from sin, and turn toward the Savior and Redeemer.

How is David's sin ever before him?

Here, David acknowledges the sting and repercussions of sin. The besetting sins about which he was so deliberate and diligent in dissembling, covering, and casting behind his back return with a vengeance. Remorse keeps his wrong actions very much alive and kicking right before his very eyes. Memories of what he had done are on constant replay in his mind and heart; he faints with sorrow and pain as he thinks of how low he had sunk in sin.

Thus, David grieved.

He was heartbroken.
He was contrite.

Is my sin ever before me?
Is your sin ever before you?
Are you and I heartbroken and contrite over our sin?

There is One who truly "grieves" -- heartbroken and sorrowful -- over our sin. The glorious Prince of peace chose to become the Man of sorrows. His soul was overcome with grief when He was praying in the garden of Gethsemane, when He was betrayed with a kiss, when He was tried in court, when He was flogged, mocked, spat upon, pierced. He grieves every time one of us forfeits the grace He freely offers us -- nothing escapes His notice.

After all, Moses knew that nothing is ever hidden from God's viewpoint:

"You have set our iniquities before You,

our secret sins in the light of Your presence."

Psalm 90:8, NIV

We are invited to take captive whatever sin that seeks to ravage our hearts -- not to dwell upon it and condemn ourselves, but to make it obedient to Christ and detangle our feet to experience God's abundant grace.

"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found

Was blind but now I see."

May our transgressions and sins remind us of the One who was made sin for us and gave Himself up freely to secure our salvation through the Cross. May we rejoice and be exceedingly glad on account of His favor!

"I will glory in my Redeemer
Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails
And hung Him on that judgment tree
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who crushed the power of sin and death
My only Savior before the Holy Judge
The Lamb who is my righteousness
The Lamb who is my righteousness."