Read Psalms 46
Highlights:
A powerful confirmation of reliability and safety found only in God. Consequently we are reminded to be still and listen to God, especially as we read His Word. This means we need not worry, just praise the Lord since He is the True Ruler of the Earth: No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11).
The awareness of sin and pleas for forgiveness are very intense in Psalm 51. Following the experience of David's sin with Bathsheba, God sent Nathan the prophet to tell David: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? . . . and hast taken his (Uriah's) wife to be thy wife. . . . Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house (II Sam. 12:9-10). David prayed fervently: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me (thoroughly) from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me (Ps. 51:1-3). The sincerity of his confession is unmistakable in his pleading for forgiveness.
As with David, God forgives sin when it is confessed, but whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7). Consequently the future suffering and sorrow are often inevitable. Because of David's sin with Bathsheba, tragedies continued to plague him for the rest of his life.
David did not attempt to justify his actions or use his position as king to elevate himself above the Law; he admitted his rebellion against God and His Holy Law, saying: Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned (Ps. 51:4). Although their first relationship was adultery, it was forgiven. David then took Bathsheba as his wife (II Sam. 12:9) and their first baby died. Bathsheba later gave birth to Solomon, and the Lord loved him (12:24).
In our fallen nature, we are prone to make excuses for our sins by blaming someone else, or as Adam did, we may even blame God (Gen. 3:12). But sin is never justified and is always the abominable thing that I (God) hate (Jer. 44:4).
Like our own failures, we wish that this blight upon David's life had not happened. But it was recorded to reveal the deception of lust. It also reveals how sinners who truly repent and forsake their sin can experience the same wonderful mercy and forgiving love of God. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25).
Thought for Today:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Ps. 51:10).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who will judge His people (Ps. 50:4). The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing (II Tim. 4:1).
Word Studies:
46:6 heathen raged, nations were in turmoil; 48:11 daughters of Judah, its cities and villages as opposed to Jerusalem, the major city; 49:9 see corruption, experience death; 50:23 conversation, daily conduct; 51:4 clear, pure, blameless.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Nesa Anderson • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) • Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe • Major languages: Italian and German • Religious freedom • 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others, knowing that God hears your prayer (II Chron. 30:18-20).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:1