Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
Read these verses as many times as you need for it to be a prayer where you allow yourself to be seen, known, loved, cleansed, refined, and led into new life with Jesus Christ. Pay attention to what sticks out and why it does. Let it touch and illuminate a place you’ve been fearful to bring out of the darkness. Sit in the truth that healing happens in the light, and are being loved and healed by the One who describes His own heart as gentle and lowly.
I have been captivated by the love of God displayed in the life of David. We all know the story of Bathsheba, which is believed to be the subject of this Psalm. David was being lazy. He was supposed to be out at battle rather than lounging at home. But here’s the thing that is true for all of us: sin doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. We feel like it can, but a lot of times, there have been little compromises that paved the way. God has so much more for us!
Orient your life around knowing and enjoying God deeply. That is where you will see victory! Let Him show you the beauty of being weak, of being a child, of trusting the Father to act on your behalf. This isn’t a hopeless endeavor. David was an adulterer, murderer, liar, and, at times, an unrepentant king. Yet God forgave him and called him a man after His own heart. We have hope! You are in the family of Christ. You are one with Jesus, covered by His blood and invited into friendship.
Prayer:
Let’s follow David’s example and pray in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me to the way everlasting.”
As you say this to your loving Creator, don’t shy away from what He may present to you. Picture it. Sit in it, as hard as it may be. Picture Jesus in that place with you. Notice the details of how the Prince of Peace is approaching you. See yourself being welcomed in by the loving embrace of the One who calls you His masterpiece, His greatest work, and His most prized possession. Let Love and your joy of Him lead you out of that place into the way everlasting. What is that place? Where is He inviting you to go? What step does He want you to take?
Logan Aeschlimann
