A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. – Psalm 51:17
David wrote Psalm 51, seeking forgiveness and restoration with God after his sin with Bathsheba was exposed. David knew that sacrifices and offerings would not fix the problem, that it was a heart issue (Psalm 51:16). He needed to be restored to God in his heart, mind, and soul. He knew that God would not turn away from a heart turned to Him. He prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
Jesus became the sacrifice for the sin of humanity. God the Father still looks for that broken and contrite heart to come in the name of Jesus. In His Word, He promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Coming to Jesus gives His followers the clean heart and right spirit that David so desperately prayed for. Right standing with God is the precious gift that the celebration of the Incarnation represents.
All people, even the most dedicated and faithful believers, think, do, and say things that dishonor God. How wonderful it is to be able to come to Him for forgiveness knowing that in Christ He forgives and cleanses! Thank Him today for His merciful gift.
Be assured that, no matter how many times you mess things up, you have a loving Heavenly Father who receives you with open arms and knows how to make things right.
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