Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Devotions: Fresh Start


Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Psalm 51:2-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This psalm was written after David’s sin with Bathsheba. He had lusted over another man’s wife and committed adultery which resulted in an illegitimate child. Instead of acknowledging his wrong then, David fell into further sin by conspiring to have her husband killed so that he could marry her and hide what they had done. It seemed to have worked, no one appeared to know, but he could not hide from God. When a prophet confronted David he confessed openly and repented of his act. In that moment David was forgiven and cleansed, but he did not bypass punishment. We always face consequences for our sin. Often confession will lessen what we suffer, but it rarely removes it entirely. David did not blame God for what he suffered. He accepted full responsibility and as a result was healed from this sin. Anger and bitterness over the consequences of sin only lead to more sin and suffering. Like David, we need to openly confess our sin and repent (turn away from it). Hiding only delays the inevitable, which usually grows worse with time. We need to turn to God as soon as we can and seek His cleansing and healing. Then we can start fresh.

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