You Are The
One
I’ve Really Sinned Against
God, show me your favor in keeping with your faithful love.
Because your love is so tender and kind, wipe out my lawless acts.
Wash away all of the evil things I've done. Make me pure from my sin.
I know the lawless acts I've committed. I can't forget my sin.
You are the one I've really sinned against. I've done what is evil in your
sight. So you are right when you sentence me. You are fair when you judge me.
I know I've been a sinner ever since I was born. I've been a sinner ever since
my mother became pregnant with me.
I know that you want truth to be in my heart. You teach me wisdom deep down
inside me.
Make me pure by sprinkling me with hyssop plant. Then I will be clean. Wash me.
Then I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear you say, "Your sins are forgiven." That will bring me joy
and gladness. Let the body you have broken be glad.
Take away all of my sins. Wipe away all of the evil things I've done.
God, create a pure heart in me. Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you.
Don't send me away from you. Don't take your Holy Spirit away from me.
Give me back the joy that comes from being saved by you. Give me a spirit that
obeys you. That will keep me going. Then I will teach your ways to those who
commit lawless acts. And sinners will turn back to you.
You are the God who saves me. I have committed murder. Take away my guilt. Then
my tongue will sing about how right you are no matter what you do.
Lord, open my lips so that I can speak. Then my mouth will praise you. You
don't take delight in sacrifice. If you did, I would bring it. You don't take
pleasure in burnt offerings.
The greatest sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. God, you will gladly accept
a heart that is broken because of sadness over sin.
May you be pleased to give
Then holy sacrifices will be offered in the right way. Whole burnt offerings
will bring delight to you. And bulls will be offered on your altar.
Psalm 51:1-19
Step-by-step, the psalm takes the reader through the stages of
repentance. It describes the constant mental replays, the gnawing guilt, the
shame, and finally the hope of a new beginning that springs from true
repentance.
The Psalm reveals the true nature of sin as a broken
relationship with God. In his prayer, David looks for possible good that might
come out of his tragedy and sees a glimmer of light. Perhaps, by reading this
story of sin, others might avoid the same pitfalls, or by reading his confession
they might gain hope in forgiveness. David’s prayer is answered and becomes his
greatest legacy as king. The best king of
Our Daily Bread –