Read:
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51: 1-2 NIV)
Reflect:
Everything looked perfect and sparkling after a day of cleaning. With a flip of the switch, the gas logs in the fireplace illuminated the room and added a touch of warmth that completed the picture. As I stood back and took a mental check to make sure everything was in place for my small group that evening, my eyes shifted to the closed door. “If they only knew what that room looked like”, I chuckled. I had stuffed a step ladder in the room near bins of seasonal clothing, a basket overflowed with laundry, stacks of magazines were on the dryer, and a large picture frame lay across the washer. The room was overflowing,overwhelmed, and chaotic— but it was all hidden from my guests.
In today’s Psalm, David is in a messy place. Overflowing with memories of his haunting sin with Bathsheba, he is overwhelmed with grief over his transgression. As we read the Psalm, we hear David’s confession and plea to the Lord for forgiveness. David was a man after God’s own heart and God was gracious and merciful to forgive. He knew what God could do for him and he earnestly prayed,
Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (verse 10)
And so my overflowing, overwhelmed and chaotic laundry room reminded me of my messy life. Like David, I asked God to reveal to me behaviors and attitudes, shortcomings and weaknesses, maybe even characteristics that I continuously justify , but are still sinful. And just like He used that laundry room to teach me an important lesson about myself, I
believe He can do the same for you. The mercies and grace He extended to David also apply to us. All He asks is that we be honest just like David was.
Your Turn:
Take a few minutes and ask the Lord to illuminate your mind and heart to the things in your life that have been overwhelming, overflowing with sin, and might be a little messy. His promise holds: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9).
We can walk today with a fresh start.
Pray:
Lord, as I look at parts of my life that are overflowing and overwhelmed with all kinds of sin, I thank you for standing ready with open arms to forgive. In offering me a fresh start, I thank you for your power and sincerely ask that you help change my heart. Amen.
By Marilyn Nutter
