My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

 

We all do things that are wrong at times. And how we regret it! It’s hard to find the words to express how badly we feel. I’ve found that reading Psalm 51 helps. Sometimes I read it several times over. King David knew what it meant when he had to confront the sin he had committed with Bathsheba. His response is a good example of what ours could be.

It’s easy to say that Jesus took our sins upon himself and forgave us for our brokenness. But where is our heart? How does our own heart respond?

Are we humbled by what we did wrong? Are we smitten and grieved in our shame? Do we earnestly seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God and those we have wronged? It’s only through such forgiveness that we can have a relationship with God.

We must confess our wrongdoings and take ownership of them before we can put them at the foot of the cross to leave them with Jesus. As long as we don’t confess and repent, our sins remain.

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)

Follow David’s example. See how he humbles himself before God in repentance. He has shed his sense of pride. This is true heart-felt brokenness. Only such a spirit and contrite heart is acceptable and pleasing to God as a sacrifice.

Why not get down on your knees? David’s words will help you pray. Feel the relief God’s hand will bring.

marja