Psalm 51

“Have mercy on me O God, according to your unfailing love” (1). The psalmist’s confession of guilt and prayer for forgiveness has been a model for believers through centuries. Knowing that God is holy yet full of “unfailing love”, the psalmist admitted his sinfulness (3), accepted God’s verdict (4), and asked for mercy and cleansing (1,7,10). Lost and helpless, he turned to the only One with power to restore his soul (12).

“A broken and contrite heart you will not despise” (17). Self-righteousness blocks us from the mercy God wants to pour out through Christ. He calls us to be truthful about our hearts so that he can heal us.