God’s Mercy

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” (Psa. 51:1).

We live in a world today that is full of sin and that has no thought of the consequences of our sin. We are so full of ourselves and constantly striving for material wealth that we have completely abandoned any thought of moral character. Most people see themselves as basically good and therefore they give no thought of being accountable to God for their sins. Unfortunately for these people they are not saved from their sin by their own deeds. The knowledge of our sin is made known by the Law. We are to be conscious of our sin so that we may acknowledge and repent of it. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom. 3:20). It is only once we have been convicted of our sin and repent that God in His mercy can forgive us.

David in Psalm 51 shows a heart which is overwhelmed by shame and he is humbled and guilt ridden. Yet, through his faith in the mercy of God he is saved from complete despair. This prayer in Psalm 51 shows how our repentant hearts should be when confessing our guilt. There should be no evasion of our responsibility. No blaming someone else, circumstances, ignorance, etc. We alone are accountable. David in his prayer shows acknowledgment that he turned against God, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.” (Psa. 51:4). God has been proven right and His judgment is faultless. “…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Rom. 3:4).He cries for a complete washing of his sin. He says “blot out my transgressions” (Psa. 51:1) and “wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psa. 51:2). He acknowledges that man is basically sinful and that it is only God and God alone who can save him. The very nature of a baby is death and there is always an element of selfishness in all of our acts, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psa. 51:5). His request is that God would live within him and direct him, that God would make David into the person that He wants him to be and to change his character. “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” (Psa. 51:6) He can’t stand the just stare of God and he pleads that God would “Hide they face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psa. 51:9-11) David recognizes the seriousness in sin and how it leads to darkness, away from God. He pleads for a restoration in his joyful relationship with God and a spirit of willingness to do right. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” (Psa 51:12). David says that he would be so grateful that many would benefit from this renewed relationship that he has with God. “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psa. 51:13).

Our Israel nations today would do well to follow David’s prayer. Our nations are floundering under the weight of their sin. There is no repentance in our lands. We flaunt our sin as if it is our right and we continually allow the degradation of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our children have a bleak future ahead of them if we do not soon humble ourselves and pray. Our nations must come to God with a broken spirit. “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psa. 51: 17). We must plead for the restoration of our nations just as David did. Our prayer must be that God would deliver us from that blood guiltiness of our sins that rightfully deserves death. We would rejoice in our salvation. “Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.” (Psa. 51:14).

May God in His mercy and grace bring us to our knees with a contrite heart and a desire to return to God’s Law. Events in this world are changing quickly and it appears that we are on the brink of disaster. If we do not repent soon we will suffer God’s judgment on our nations. We must pray for the restoration of our people to bring favour and fellowship with God.
“Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.” (Psa.51:18)