A Contrite Heart
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
A Contrite Heart
One of the reasons King David is so beloved is, when confronted with the devastation of his sin with Bathsheba, he cried out for forgiveness to God with a broken spirit and contrite heart. Psalm 51 reveals the depths of his godly sorrow and his sincere desire to be restored and cleansed. David begins with the plea, “have mercy on me, O God” (v.1). He knows that God still looks on him with lovingkindness, even though he has sinned against Him. His appeal is for God to blot out his transgressions: “wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin”(v.2). David knows that only God alone has the power to forgive and to purify from sin. David takes full responsibility for the wrong he has done. “For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me”(v.3). David places himself before his God to whom he alone has sinned. He submits himself to God alone, who is our ultimate judge. He has done this evil in His sight.
God is justified when he speaketh and judgeth. David expresses that he was “shapen in iniquity” (v.5). We were all born under the curse of sin after Adam’s fall. God desires us to be truthful and He helps us by giving us wisdom to see our inner faults. Again, David asks God to cleanse him. “Purge me with hissup and I shall be clean. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (v.7). What an amazing act of grace and mercy from a loving and forgiving God. David wants to hear joy and gladness again so he may rejoice once more with his God. A third time, he begs for God not to hide His face from him but to blot out his iniquities. Only God can change his heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and restore a right spirit in me”(v.10).
David always seeks God’s presence and never wants to be cast away from him. He does not ever want God to take his spirit from him. He feels what damage his sin has caused, and he wants the joy of salvation restored. Once God has forgiven and cleansed him, then he will teach transgressors what God has done for him. God delivered him from bloodguiltiness. For he not only committed adultery with Bethsheba but also shed the innocent blood of her husband. David will open his mouth and praise God with his testimony of God’s amazing grace and mercy. He will give God what he desires, a broken spirit and a contrite heart. God will then be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness.
Have you ever experienced a time when you were truly remorseful for some wrong you had done? I do. I recall the guilt and shame, as well as the true regret for my behavior. I recall my tears of humility as I expressed my sorrow and pleas for forgiveness. I also recall the joy I felt when the person I harmed showed love and kindness toward me. I made amends, and the relationship eventually was restored. All of these feelings abound in David as he comes before God in Psalm 51 with a contrite heart. Like him, the greater hurt for my sin was that I had disappointed God with my sin. I ask the Lord to continuously, each day, forgive my sin and restore a right spirit in me. He alone can cleanse and change my heart.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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