Psalms 51 and 52 - How To Repent

1 For the choir director; a psalm by David when the prophet Nathan came to him after David's adultery with Bathsheba.

Have pity on me, O God, in keeping with your mercy.
In keeping with your unlimited compassion, wipe out my rebellious acts.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my guilt,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 I admit that I am rebellious.
My sin is always in front of me.
4 I have sinned against you, especially you.
I have done what you consider evil.
So you hand down justice when you speak,
and you are blameless when you judge.

5 Indeed, I was born guilty.
I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.
6 Yet, you desire truth and sincerity.
Deep down inside me you teach me wisdom.
7 Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean.
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear {sounds of} joy and gladness.
Let the bones that you have broken dance.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and wipe out all that I have done wrong.

10 Create a clean heart in me, O God,
and renew a faithful spirit within me.
11 Do not force me away from your presence,
and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.

13 {Then} I will teach your ways to those who are rebellious,
and sinners will return to you.
Psalms 51:1-13 (GW)

8 But I am like a large olive tree in God's house.
I trust the mercy of God forever and ever.
Psalms 52:8 (GW)

Reflection of B:

There are many times that we asked God for forgiveness when we sinned. Yet we may commit the same sin over and over again if there is no true repentance. Repentance means to turn away, like making a U-turn, from the wrong we did and never go back to it again.

King David fully repented of his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, not just a sense of regret. In the above Psalm we learned how David repented from his sin, not just say "God, forgive me." To repent fully we need to be able to feel like how David felt and do what he did. He....

- cried to God for mercy (v1)
- asked for cleaning (v2)
- admitted his rebellion (v3)
- recognised his sin not only hurt a person, but also God (v4)
- recognised his sinful nature (v5)
- recognised God's character of desiring truth and sincerity (v6)
- asked God to restore his joy (v8)
- recognised the wrong of his sin (v9)
- asked for a new heart (v10)
- asked God and His Holy Spirit to be with him (v11)
- asked God for restoration and learn to be obedient (v12)
- teach others not to be rebellious and sin from his own failure (v13)


Dear Lord,
Thank You for teaching me the right way of repentance from sin from tonight's devotion. Let me be like King David, not only confessing my sins but also take positive steps in getting Your restoration and also help others not to commit the same sins. Thank You for restoring the joy of my salvation. Thank You that Your presence has been with me in the things I do. Please continue to lead me in Your righteous path, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.