David: Blessed Are The Forgiven

This past Friday night, an earnest soul recognized their need for a Savior to absolve their sins.  What a precious sight, what a precious reminder — our God will save. What a present need, what a universal need — we need our God. Man sins (Rom 3:23); it has been that way from the first man to the last. This reality holds true for both the wicked and the righteous. It was also true for “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).

The King of Israel, David, found himself in desperate need of forgiveness. Following the most notable failure of his righteous life, David sought forgiveness. He was guilty of adultery, fornication, lust, conspiracy, murder, and stubbornness. He tried to fight the guilt, but it caused him to waste away (Ps 32:3) — perhaps we know that feeling. When confronted, David became aware of his fault and stated, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam 12:13). How did he respond from there?

David, aware of his guilt, pleaded for forgiveness. “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!” (Ps 51:1-2). “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Ps 51:7). “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Ps 51:10-12). “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation…” (Ps 51:14).

After his plea for mercy comes his song of joy — what a blessing it is to be forgiven! (Ps 32:1). How blessed we are to know that God will not reject a penitent heart (Ps 51:17).

A precious soul has found the joy of salvation. God is good, and His goodness is abundant (Ps 34:8). David understood this well and often celebrated it; may we do the same.