What a comfort this psalm is to anyone who has committed sin, big time! David shows us the way to true sorrow and grief over sin. His sins of adultery and murder found in 2 Samuel 11 and 12, result in an even greater repentance. Today’s psalm has come down to us, the most well known of what are called seven “Psalms of Penitence.” First the sinner is humbled and purified by sorrow, then the soul feels a gentle, peaceful lifting as the soul becomes open to the sweetness of being forgiven.
Notice that David does not wallow in guilt. Guilt is really quite selfish. Guilt blocks us from the joy of being hugged by God in reconciliation. How merciful God is! He can lift sinners out of the depths of sorrow into the light of God’s grace.
So may it happen for each of us: lifted to joy by the power of God.
Examples of Bible Breaths Learn More…
Have mercy on me, O God. v. 1
Teach me wisdom in my heart. v. 6
Let me hear joy and gladness. v. 8
Put a new spirit in me. v. 10
Check out Study Tools in BibleGateway.
I especially recommend the free resource
in Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
We read the Psalms in numerical order on Wednesdays
These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 