“Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.”
Psalm 51:14
The Psalms were meant to be sung! I can imagine the poet and musician David singing them as he wrote what became nearly half of the book of Psalms in the Bible. David also was a brave shepherd, a servant of Saul, an accomplished warrior, an army commander, and finally, King of Israel. As talented and impressive as he was, he also was a sinner like any of us, choosing at times the most shameful paths.
Nevertheless, both the prophet Samuel and the apostle Paul called David a man after God’s own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). God’s restoration of him and patience with him is heartening for sinners like you and me. In Psalm 51, David confesses and says “my sin is always before me” (v. 3). He asks God to give him a pure heart, a steadfast spirit, and the joy of salvation.
Many songs have been written from the words of Psalm 51. The apostle John may have had this psalm in his heart when he wrote, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Nevertheless, both the prophet Samuel and the apostle Paul called David a man after God’s own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). God’s restoration of him and patience with him is heartening for sinners like you and me. In Psalm 51, David confesses and says “my sin is always before me” (v. 3). He asks God to give him a pure heart, a steadfast spirit, and the joy of salvation.
Many songs have been written from the words of Psalm 51. The apostle John may have had this psalm in his heart when he wrote, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Scripture Focus
Psalm 51
Insight
When I confess and get right with God, my own lightened heart often feels like singing!
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 23-24
- Psalm 142
- 1 Thessalonians 1-2