David’s lament

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. – Psalm 51:7

You may already know the story. King David, Israel’s most illustrious ruler, the man after God’s own heart, became the seducer, the adulterer, the liar, the murderer – utterly pitiless and unmoved by his monstrous misdeeds. Israel’s ruler was now ruled by sin.

A year had passed since David committed adultery with Batsheba and orchestrated the murder of her husband. David deteriorated physically and emotionally. His gnawing conscience kept him restless and melancholy. At night he tossed and turned.

When David was brought face to face with his corruption, his defenses, crumbled. He cried, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). And Nathan the prophet replied, "The Lord also has put away your sin." Despite the devastating consequences of David’s sin, he was assured of God’s forgiveness.

After realizing the extent of his sin and its consequences, David penned Psalm 51, a song of repentance and pleading for God’s forgiveness. "I acknowledge my transgressions . . . Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (vv. 3, 7).

Are you suffering the consequences of sin? Admit your wrongs and ask God to cleanse your heart. He will show mercy and restore your joy if you turn to Him. – David Roper

Our sinfulness can sap our joy

And make us feel far from the Lord;

Confession and repentance, though,

Provide the way to be restored. – Sper

READ: 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Repentance means hating sin enough to turn from it.