May 21, 2010
READ: Psalm 51
OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTIONS:
- David wrote this psalm following his affair with Bathsheba. What do you note about his perspective on this sin (i.e. how it affects his relationship with God). What does he want of God?
KEY CONCEPT:
- Confession of sin, which leads to forgiveness, is accompanied by genuine sorrow for the damage it has caused, and a demonstration of repentance (turning away from our former sinful behavior) thereafter.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
- Remember a time when you were a child and were caught doing something that was against the rules your parents had made. Do you remember being sad for the damage this caused to their trust in you? Were there other things that were affected because of what you did? Did you ask for forgiveness…and was it given to you?
PRAY:
- We are all sinners saved by the grace of God. While God has given us a way of receiving forgiveness, he wants to hear a heartfelt apology for our sin. Read Psalm 139 prayerfully, knowing that God already knows your sin, even if you haven’t confessed it to Him. When you get to verses 23-24, yield yourself to God’s work…allowing Him to bring anything to mind that you need to confess and be forgiven of. Thank Him for his grace and mercy.
