Discover His heart: He will never reject a broken spirit and a contrite heart
The ocean is dramatic, the mountains are majestic, but for me, nothing beats the white and purity of newly fallen snow, pure and simple. Of course, science tells us that this moisture falling through the atmosphere collects dirt particles and debris, etc., but as its glistening blanket covers the earth, we only see spotless white. In light of this, it’s humbling to imagine ourselves as whiter than snow because of His purification, but this was the cry of David’s heart as he cried out to God in repentance.
@ Psalm 51
“Purify me from my sins, and I will be whiter than snow… Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” (7,9-10) God forgave David for his dreadful sins in the Bathsheba moment of his life because of true repentance. Forgiveness didn’t come because of David’s sorrow for having been caught in his sin or because he feared losing God’s favor, but because of true repentance. Contrition was shown through repentance when David asked of God:
- Wash me from my guilt (2)
- Purify me (7)
- Return my joy (8)
- Create a clean heart in me (10)
- Renew a right spirit (10)
- Restore your presence and Holy Spirit in my life (11)
- Make me willing to obey, (12) a fearsome request
- Forgive me (14)
He didn’t ask God to roll back the clock or ignore his sin, and he didn’t offer immediate sacrifices to ease the pain of it all or stop the hand of God. In return for God’s forgiveness, David said:
- I will teach your ways to other rebels (13)
- I will sing of your forgiveness (14) which he did in many, many Psalms
- I will praise you with unsealed lips (15)
“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one…the sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (16-17) It’s human nature to blame others for our sins or even to blame original sin (5-6), but then this would not be true repentance. A broken spirit says, “I did it.” A broken and repentant heart says, “I did it. I will do right.” This He will not reject.
Every day I ask God to purify my heart of all wrong doings – deliberate sins to be sure, but also those more secreted sins, like unforgiveness, judging others, pride, envy, resentment, etc., sins that often lead to deliberate sin when left unchecked. Secreted sin led David to adultery and murder when first he lusted. In response to my prayer, God so faithfully reveals to me where I have failed, and when I repent, He forgives and purifies my heart. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Moving Forward: Purify my heart today, dear Lord. Make me whiter than snow!
Tomorrow @ Job 35-36
Phyllis Benigas 