Repentance, Renewal, Restoration

August 11 Repentance, Renewal, Restoration Psalm 51:10-13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” (Psalm 51:10-13)

 The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel and the man that God said was “After His own Heart!”. Psalm 51 is a powerful expression of David’s deep remorse, recognition of his wrongdoing, and repentance after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. David’s heartfelt plea for forgiveness and restoration before God is witnessed in this chapter. He acknowledges his sin, recognizing that his actions have not only offended the Almighty, but have also caused harm to himself and those around him. The passage foreshadows the consequences of David’s choices, as well as the hope of redemption and the transformative power of God’s mercy. Every one of us has experienced the emotions of David, recognizing that our actions were wrong and our motivations were selfish. I find it interesting, and encouraging that David, King David, with all that he possessed and all that he controlled, recognized his own frailties and called on God, with Faith and Expectation, for His forgiveness and God’s ability to re-make him into what God would want. David pleads with God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” David was aware of his transgressions, and he was truly repentant of his actions, and he asked God to restore him, and not to turn away from him. Ever been in David’s situation? Not necessarily guilty of murder, but guilty of disobedience, and the Spirit convicts you and you turn to God for forgiveness and restoration and renewal. Dear Friends, in my spiritual journey, I have made some huge mistakes and missteps, yet, our God has provided the opportunity for renewal, restoration and recovery! Every day, I quote Psalm 51:10-13, with intent and with the recognition that I need Him, want Him and serve Him! Thank you, God, for providing the means to be connected to You and the blessing of Your Amazing Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!