Psalm 51 recorded a time in David’s life when the king had a broken, repentant heart over his sin. It occurred after the leader had been rebuked by Nathan, the prophet, for the sins of adultery and making the death of a woman’s husband possible (II Sam. 2:1-19).
King David’s sins, which he tried to keep private, were brought out in the open by Nathan’s words, and what he was reminded of broke David’s heart. Although he lived with the guilt of his sins, Nathan’s accusation helped change the heart of the leader.
Most are also guilty of sin against God, but many hide it, forget about it, and never get it right with the Lord. David could not hide it any longer and did what every person in his situation should do. He was honest with himself about how he sinned against God and purposed to turn from his wickedness.
Although many, when caught or exposed with their hands in the sin jar, ignore guilty feelings (which may be the Holy Spirit bringing it to light so it can be dealt with) and justify it, David did not. Many say they are sorry, but there is never a serious change in their life. The leader’s admission of sin changed his life.
David knew he had crossed the sin-line (“transgressions” — vss. 1,3) God forbids all to pass. He recognized he had committed unrighteous behavior (“iniquity”— vs. 2) and acknowledged his sin as “evil” (vs. 4). The king knew he was responsible for the shed blood (“bloodguiltiness”) of Bathsheba’s husband. The leader recognized he could not take back the damage he had done, but he was so broken in spirit that he would never forget what he had done. All he could do then was beg for God’s mercy (vs. 1) in dealing with the matter, and he did.
So many are sorry they got caught in their sins, but are not crushed nor repentant of what they had done. From their actions and attitudes, it may appear that they would do it again; many do. However, when one is grieved over how they sinned against God and others, their heart usually changes. When a heart is transformed, a life is altered also.
All have sinned. We may be forgiven of our trespasses and have God’s forgiveness, but often our guilt is temporary and not life-changing. God is never fooled by false sincerity. He knows if we are ashamed of what we have done and if we mean to change our behavior to one that is pleasing to Him.
What truths does God know about how you feel about sinning against Him? Do you intend never to let it happen again, or are you just experiencing a short flash of guilt that you will soon forget?
“God hath yoked to guilt a pale tormentor: misery.” — William Bryant
