«Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me» (Psalm 51 : 10).
PSALM 51 IS UNDOUBTEDLY one of the best examples in all of Scripture of what true repentance is. Overwhelmed by the enormity of his transgression, by committing adultery with Bathsheba, and bringing death to Uriah, David recognizes his sin and asks God for mercy.
Perhaps for this reason we read in Patriarchs and Prophets that the plea of every soul should be that of David’s when he prayed, » ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.’ «—ch. 41, p. 460. What is in King David’s repentance that serves as an example to the faithful of all ages?
The first thing that is noticeable is that David recognizes that he has sinned against God: «Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight» (Psalm 51:4). Of course, David knew that his sin of adultery and murder had also harmed others, but with these words he acknowledges that his transgression offended, first, a holy God. Can we imagine all the good that would result if, before we sinned, we would remember that we would be sinning against God?
Secondly, David not only asks that his transgressions be «erased,» but he also asks for purity of heart: «Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me» (v. 10). He not only prays for forgiveness of his sins, but also asks to be transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit. Only in this way can he have thoughts and inclinations in that are in harmony with God’s will.
Finally, David prays for the joy of salvation to be returned to him (v. 12). With these words, he confirms the great truth that sin serves only to bring pain and sadness into our lives; but it also reminds us that there is hope for the sinner. Even though because of his horrible sin he had lost the joy of salvation, David had not lost the God of salvation! This is undoubtedly great news, because what David is saying here is what the apostle Paul would declare centuries later: not even our sins can separate us from God’s love.
Praise the name of God! If by having sinned you have lost «the joy of salvation,» today you can plead with your heavenly Father to return it to you along with His forgiveness. What, then, should your petition be? That of David, when he repented of his sin: «a clean heart . . . and . . . a steadfast spirit within me.»
Thank You, heavenly Father, because today You have reminded me that no sin is too great not to be forgiven; and that there is nothing in this world that can separate me from Your love.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
