A Repentant Heart
David willing confessed and repented of his sins. David committed some serious sins, which according to the Law he should have been put to death. But, when confronted with his sins, David confessed and accepted the God’s discipline. David accepted responsibility for his actions and turned away from his sin and turned toward God. Never again do we see him sin in these same ways.
David doesn’t make excuses for his sin, He simply confesses and turns away from them, accepting the blame and throwing himself upon the mercy of God. This is a heart that is after God.
David demonstrates a heart that is for God in his desire to confess and repent and live a life of holiness.
The Bible says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
The Apostle John said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
To confess means more than saying “I’m sorry.” The word means that we are agreeing with God about our sins. We must see the seriousness of sin from God’s perspective.
Once we agree with God about the seriousness of sin, and about our own sin, then like He did with David, God will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is what David knew, which is why he cried out to God these words when he repented of his sins.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:1-3)
We need godly sorrow followed by a repentant heart. It is only when we stop kidding ourselves, and justifying our sins, that we can truly have a heart that is after God’s heart.
Dennis Lee is Senior Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, Mesquite, Nevada. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts that he posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website
Image by DEEPAI
So true. As I read this, another scripture that comes to mind concerning the difference between sorrow and true confession is 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” And David truly expressed that godly sorrow, choosing to confess openly before God and repent. As a result, even though there were consequences that he had to go through, the blessing is that God not only cleansed him, but restored his joy and upheld him with His Holy Spirit as David had prayed. Psalm 51:10-12, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
Thank you. I hope and pray you have a great rest of your day and a great day tomorrow.
As a believer we need to feel our sins. We should agonize and repent at the feet of Jesus. Thus is where God will give mercy. Knowing we have fully repented.
Thank you Deb. This is exactly right. It’s about truly understanding what our sins are doing to the heart of Jesus, and how it breaks His heart.
I hope you have a great day, and I’m sorry for not seeing this comment earlier.
I apprettiate all that you do for the Lord.
Dennis