Repentance leads to Restoration
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To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Seminith, A Psalm of David
O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger,
Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak:
O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
My soul is also sore vexed:
But thou, O LORD, how long?
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul:
Oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
For in death there is no remembrance of thee:
In the grave who shall give thee thanks?
I am weary with my groaning; all the night I make my bed to swim;
I water my couch with my tears.
Mine eye is consumed because of grief;
It waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity;
For the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
The LORD hath heard my supplication;
The LORD will receive my prayer.
Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed:
Let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.
O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust:
Save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces,
While there is none to deliver.
O LORD my God, if I have done this;
If there be iniquity in my hands;
If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;
(Yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it ;
Yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust.
Selah.
Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies:
And awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about:
For their sakes therefore return thou on high.
The LORD shall judge the people: Judge me, O LORD,
According to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just:
For the righteous God
Trieth the hearts and reins.
My defence is of God,
Which saveth the upright in heart.
God judgeth the righteous,
And God is angry with the wicked every day.
If he turn not, he will whet his sword;
He hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death;
He ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity,
And hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
He made a pit, and digged it,
And is fallen into the ditch which he made.
His mischief shall return upon his own head,
And his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness:
And will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Repentance leads to Restoration
In these two chapters, David is crying out in anguish to God for forgiveness. He is distraught because he has angered and displeased God (6:1). He admits that he is weak and seeks God’s mercy (6:2). David is vexed in his body and soul because, for some time, he has not felt the closeness he had before, and he desperately wants God—he wants this relationship to be restored. Now, David does not shy away from the consequences of his actions. He states that if he has done wrong towards his enemies, then God should judge him fairly and avenge them. But on the other hand, he knows God is just and will fairly judge him, and his enemies as well and give them the punishment that is due them (7:3-5). “Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: For the righteous God Trieth the hearts and reins.” (7:9)
“I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness (7:17a).” David always comes to this conclusion. That God is righteous and worthy of praise. Even in His anger, He will respond with justice and fairness.
The scripture says godly sorrow leads to repentance. Like David, I want God to search my heart and help me come to Him with a true desire for restoration. I want to cry out for forgiveness to quickly restore the closeness I feel with my Lord and King. God welcomes me back with open arms, for He says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)” What joy it is to be reunited with my Father and continue to walk each day in His love, grace and mercy.
Psalm 6
Psalm 6 is the first of seven psalms known as the Penitential Psalms, recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for the use to “recognize our sinfulness, express our sorrow and ask for God’s forgiveness,” during Lent.
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.
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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.
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