Gems from the Psalms – Day 12
O God, I am so sorry
Um(Imi)bhalo weBhayibheli
Ihubo 51
2 uSamuweli 11
Isono sikaDavide noBati Sheba
Lust, adultery, a planned hit, the victim killed – the mastermind behind the plot, when taken to task, admits his guilt and is so sorry. A typical major media report to turn any morning blue.
This story, however, will never make banner headlines, even though the guilty party was a famous king. It happened too long ago. You can read the full report in your Bible, 2 Samuel 11–12.
The king concerned was none other than King David, a brilliant and complex man who, by the grace of God, became Israel’s greatest king.
It was Nathan, the prophet, who confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband, Uriah, the Hittite, and what the consequences would be, even though the Lord had forgiven David.
David felt so debased and defiled by the sin he had committed against God, that he penned Psalm 51, the finest gem in my personal treasure chest of Psalms.
God forgave him but David needed more. Therefore, he desperately pleads with God to purge him of all evil. He begs God – wash me, cleanse me, teach me, blot out all my iniquities and then, in our text for the day: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12)
David loved and walked with God, who had blessed him beyond imagining. Now, the evil David had done had greatly angered God. David was distraught, even though he had been forgiven. David needed to be convinced within himself that he was right with God.
David was not unique in this aspect. We all make mistakes and stumble, that is when we need first to turn to our heavenly Father and say, “O God, I am so sorry,” even before we redress our wrongdoing. Then, we can, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, move forward in faith with peace in our soul.