Repentance is a fancy word that simply means to turn and go the opposite direction. It’s more than just being sorry, it’s showing in your actions that you’re going a different way. David wrote an entire psalm revealing his heart of repentance.
David had quite the story. He was the youngest of seven brothers. He was easily overlooked but God called him to be the king of Israel. He even slayed a giant with five stones and a slingshot! David loved God but he let temptation and sin get in the way of his destiny. He ended up having an affair with Bathsheba. In order to cover up that sin he had her husband killed. David really messed up! He wrote Psalm 51 as his prayer of repentance to God. His prayer shows us what a heart of repentance looks like.
Start with seeking mercy – withholding the just punishment that’s deserved.
Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
The starting point for David was that he was unworthy of a loving response but God chose to be merciful and withheld the punishment he deserved.
We all battle sin in our lives. Our culture will tell us not to feel bad or even call our actions sinful. We’re just living our truth, right? But the Bible is clear that sin is all about going our own way, elevating our own feelings and opinions over God’s. So, when we recognize that we’ve fallen into a sin trap, we need to start with humble recognition that we deserve judgement and punishment but we serve a merciful God.
Acknowledge the sin, repent and go the opposite direction.
Psalm 51:3-4 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
He was broken-hearted over how his sinful actions hurt others and so fundamentally dishonored God. Even though David didn’t name his specific sins in the psalm, we can assume he did in his prayer time with God. There is power in naming our sins before God. If we’re truly repentant, then we need to be able to identify the sinful act so we can be on guard against it in the future.
Walk in newness of life and restore your loyalty to God’s way.
Psalm 51:10,16-17 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
In the Old Testament system, the people would bring an offering to God to pay for their sins. But David understood that God didn’t need another offering. What he wants is a broken, contrite heart.
Jesus came to be the perfect sacrifice that satisfies the debt we owe for our sins. When we repent, our sins are forgiven and we are washed clean-white as snow. Instead of being slaves to sin, we are new in Christ.
So, when you find yourself caught up in sin, have the heart of David. Don’t trample on the grace of God by living however you want and saying sorry later. That’s what Paul calls worldly sorrow. Instead, have a heart like David. Come before God broken and humble, name your sin, and commit to turning and going the other way. Live in the newness of life offered to you through Jesus.
Ephesians 4:22-23 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Are you living in rebellion or walking in freedom? Choose freedom!
