Psalm 51:10-13 (NIV)
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
This is a very familiar portion of scripture. But verse 13 really caught my attention. David knew what it was like to sin against God and make a mess of things, and he was the king – someone the people looked up to and respected. But he also knew what it was like to repent and know reconciliation with God. And those experiences as he wrote them down, have over thousands of years brought hope and encouragement to others. He has indeed taught transgressors just like us, how we can put our lives right with God, and find the joy of our salvation.
In this modern era, so ruled by social media, people often only post things that they think are perfect and worth looking at. Christians are often scrutinised to see if their lives measure up to how people perceive Christians should behave, and they are quick to point the finger if we are found wanting. But our testimony, warts and all, should still reflect God’s mercy, even when we have fallen short. Surely our experience of God’s grace and mercy would, like David, bring hope to others in a similar position.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that the testimonies of the people of the bible show us their failures as well as their successes, because it also shows us Your hand of grace and mercy and offers us the assurance of reconciliation with You. May my life, warts and all still be a testimony to others of your goodness and grace. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.