April 26

1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14, Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25, 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7, 3:5-9

David's promising beginning as king quickly takes a dark turn. Small steps soon lead to massive leaps away from God and into sin. He first remains at home "at the time when kings go off to war," then watches Bathsheba bathe, hunts down her identity, sleeps with her, attempts to cover it up, and then eventually kills her husband. David finds himself far from God and far from the leader that God desired to lead his people.

Despite the immensity of David's sin, when he is confronted with it, he is quick to repent. He does not try to rationalize his sin, he does not try to defend it; instead he repents in Psalm 51. In this beautiful psalm, he acknowledges his sin; his need for mercy; and though sin affects others, it is ultimately against God. He also makes a renewed commitment to flee sin and follow God. As fallen people, we will sin; so we need to learn, like David, to confess and repent.

Father God, have mercy on me, according to your unfailing love. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen. (Psalm 51:1, 3, & 10) 

How can your confessions better follow the model of Psalm 51?

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