A Psalm of Forgiveness & Mercy

This is one of David’s more well-known psalms. He wrote it after his affair with Bathsheba, his ordered killing of her husband Uriah, a great warrior who fought for Israel, and the death of the son born from that affair (2 Samuel 11). Nathan goes to David to confront him about this sin, and David finally relents and repents (2 Samuel 12). David and Bathsheba, once restored, bear a son named Solomon. 

To that end, what do we do in our own lives that we feel God will not forgive? Knowing He forgave David for a multitude of sins, including the fact that he forgot who God was in his own life, how does this story and this psalm give you and me hope in our own lives? Pray that the answer to that question is clear, “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

The psalm serves as the bible reading and prayer for us today.

We pray: Heavenly Father, 3 … I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be justified in Your words and blameless in Your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that You have broken rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Amen.