Psalm 51

I don’t think I am alone in the reality that it seems like it is easy to let clutter build up. Or maybe put another way to let things become a mess. I often clean out my garage by throwing out trash that somehow got thrown on the floor or left on a shelf, by taking tools to the shed or putting them in the tool box where they belong rather than where they were left, and by sweeping out rocks and dirt that have been tracked in by the cars or feet. When I get done I often marvel at how much better it looks. There seems to be much more room when the clutter is gone and less stress since things at least seem more organized. For you, you place might not be a garage but maybe a work room or some other room or place. It might even be your car or office desk. Now, if you are like me, the frustrating part is that it never stays clean. I have even thought before “I am not going to let things get like this again.” However, it always gets messy again and I have to go through the routine of cleaning once more. Unfortunately, our life is like this. We let our life get messy. Not with dirt but with sin and our lives need a good cleaning. The words of Psalm 51 are great words that God had written for us from the hand of David to help us clean the filth out of our lives. It is a Psalm that pleads for mercy, asks for forgiveness, and seeks a cleansing from God. You may even know some of the familiar words. David starts with a great plea. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. And notice this plea is based upon God’s steadfast love and His abundant mercy. We can go to God for a cleansing because he does love us and wants to show mercy to us. David goes on to show us one of the biggest parts of finding our cleansing–confession. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, Unfortunately when it comes to things like my garage, I let them get overwhelming filthy before cleaning, but with sin it is best to confess regularly. Really we need to seek this cleansing daily. And the best news is God is ready to forgive and restore. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. That is great news. On top of this truth, God’s cleansing is the best because as David described it, Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Take time today to read through Psalm 51 completely and thoroughly. Then take time to do what David did–go to God for a cleansing of the soul. If you do this regularly, you will keep the clutter of sin from building up in your life and becoming overwhelming. You will then be able to experience what David requested of God, Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.