Day 12: Repentance

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:1-4, 10 (NASB 95)

Scripture shows how David committed horrendous sins like lying, adultery, and murder, yet scripture also describes David as “a man after God’s own heart,” (1 Samuel 13:14). His prayers in the psalms show us why: David was uncomfortably transparent with God.

David speaks with brutal honesty about his actions, not skipping over their consequences or minimizing the damage. He acknowledges how his sin affects his personal relationship with God.

Yet, he does more than simply confess; he asks for forgiveness. He prays for a clean heart and a loyal spirit. He’s not simply sorry that he got caught; he wants to be different. His confession involves repentance, turning from his sinful ways, asking God to change him from the inside out.

Confession is a humbling & significant practice for growth in our walk with God, but is only half the equation; the other half is repentance. In coming to God, we don’t merely admit our wrongdoing; we also repent, turn from our sinful ways, and ask God to keep changing us from the inside out.

How is God trying to change you right now?

Ask Him for a clean heart, and a steadfast spirit.