A Symptom, Not Disease (Psalm 51:1-19) RESTORATION

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. – Psalm 51:10-12

Psalm 51 is perhaps the best known of the penitential psalms.| WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Written by David after he committed both adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11-12) this psalm portrays more vividly than anywhere in Scripture, the heartfelt plea for mercy from the fallen sinner. David recognized that his sin separated him from God and he was heartbroken. He cried to the Lord. 

David pleaded for cleansing and restoration. He prayed for a steadfast spirit, a spirit that was firm and established in the Lord. He wanted to be done with the kind of instability that he had just experienced. He prayed for a spirit that was joyfully willing to follow God’s Word rather than exploit people. 

A heart that is rooted in the Lord is not easily wavered but is firm and steadfast. David knew that his sexual sin was only a symptom, not the disease. The root of the problem was his lack of joy and gladness in God. His prayer was that God would restore to him the joy of His salvation, for that was his actual need. 

God, in creation, gave us the gift and privilege that allows us individuality and freedom. Willful misuse of these, however, leads to rebellion and subsequent fall. As a result, all through life, all of us have a tendency to rebel against God. And you and I are no exception. 

David came to the Lord for cleansing and restoration. Have you?

Lord, restore the joy of your salvation in me, I pray.

Extended Reading — Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122


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