Tag: repentance

God, create a clean heart for me
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
. . . Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and sustain me by giving me
a willing spirit.

David teaches me: vs. 13 promises that he would.

For I am as guilty as he and need cleansing; a clean heart, a renewed spirit, and the joy of the Lord’s salvation.

Sin destroys us – me – in exactly the way it destroyed David and all others who have lived. Sometimes we imagine that there must be recompense we can pay to make all right with God again.

But God – He desires integrity in the inner self. A broken spirit – repentance – humble acknowledgement that my sin has been the destroyer.

I will humble myself before the Lord. I am brought low in His presence. His righteousness shines on the dark stain of my sin; it’s clear enough in His gaze.

So Lord! Create a new heart; renew my spirit; restore the joy of your salvation.

For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
But there is joy in the morning.

There is a connection in this verse between the Lord’s anger and the sorrow of grief. It’s hard to tell from the rest of the Psalm, but David’s grief, sorrow, weeping – even illness – appears to be the result of his repentance.

He recognizes his sin and the Lord’s righteous anger, and the consequences of his sin:

illness,

defeat,

humiliation before his enemies.

It brings David to tears.

And reminds me that the consequences of my sin should likewise lead to godly sorrow and grief.

The grace of the Lord is sure and quick forgiveness.

For in His forgiveness,

His presence,

there is joy!

Joy in the morning!

A glimpse of this week’s illustration – taken from Psalms 33 and 35. A very simple image. More to come!