Psalm 51 is David’s cry to the Lord for forgiveness. It’s one of my favorite passages in the Psalms. David has just realized his sins against the Lord, which happen to include adultery and murder.
I don’t see myself as a “bad” person. I’m basically good. I work everyday, try to be nice to all I meet. I pay my bills, go to church, put money in the collection plate. I’m usually slow to anger, letting others be who they are. So why would I need to repent? How sinful can a good person be?
I don’t want to think that I’m sinful. It’s our culture, it’s in the world. If I am basically good, I’m OK, I’m a “good” person. But even with what I described above, God considers me sinful. What about those thoughts that I don’t act on? What about the “self-talk” that goes on in my head? God knows those thoughts. Paul says in Romans:
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:18-20
I need to come before the Lord daily and pray this Psalm. God knows my heart and if I come before Him, with a contrite heart and pray, He can do wonderful things in my life. Do you want to join me?
Lutheran Ladies Connection 