Psalm 51 Intro

Psalm 51 Intro

Repentance and Thanksgiving

This is one of the best known of David’s Psalms; not least because so many of us can identify with its message. The full background is recounted for us in 1 Samuel 11-12:25. David should have been away with his troops; it was springtime, when kings go off to war, but he had other conquests in mind. One of his closest confidantes and fighting men, Uriah, had a beautiful wife and she lived not far from David’s palace. Uriah was away with the army, fighting the Ammonites and David was watching the desirable Bathsheba ceremonially washing herself in full view, on the roof of her house. Did she know David was watching? Did he know where she lived? The story that unfolds is seedy but not unprecedented. Voyeurism, adultery, lies, cover up, the demise of Uriah and the loss of a child, it’s a story that has been played out many times. The only shock for us is that the mighty and godly David was a major player in this drama and his behaviour was not what would be expected from the anointed and holy King of Israel. Psalm 51 reveals his lament, his journey of repentance, his longing for restoration and renewed fellowship with the Lord God. I dare anyone to say that they cannot identify with this man as he faces his shame, his weakness and the sins that brought him to his knees. Let us undertake to treat this Psalm with humility, to face the lusts and desires that drive us all. Let’s be prepared to get on our knees with David and to acknowledge the times when we have covered up our sins. As we do so let’s acknowledge afresh, the grace of a God who forgives, restores and redeems those who have failed Him. Let us arise from our journey of penitence with renewed vows and a determination to live a life that exalts the Lord and diminishes selfish desires. 

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