David committed a terrible sin against God! He, the man after the heart of God (I Kings 15:3-5), had failed God when he committed adultery and caused the murder of Uriah. Yet, David did not immediately go before God. Instead he tried to “pretend” as though it would be ok. After all, God had demonstrated His love for David over and over. In fact, David tried to cover up his sin rather than to admit it. Time passed. Then God sent Nathan to present the truth to David; but, he did so through a story of injustice (2 Samuel 12). As King, David demanded that the perpetrator must die. Then, Nathan said to David, ‘Thou art the man’ (2 Samuel 12:7). Suddenly, David’s heart was broken over his own sin! He saw it for the evil it was: a sin against God, who had been ever so gracious to David.
How like David, we are! It is so easy to be incensed over the evil and sin in the world; yet, are we just as incensed over our own sin? Do we look at the cross with a flippant “thank you”, never fully grasping the price that God paid to forgive us of our sin? What about our sin? Do we see it for what it really is: an abomination against Almighty God? Or do we try to measure it as “not so bad”? Is your heart truly broken by your own sin? David came face to face with his sin. He saw it for what it was, a sin against a Holy God who had so graciously dealt with David. Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance.
A Heart Truly Broken by Sin
David’s heart was broken by his sin. He wanted to do anything to make it right; but, alas all he had was a broken and contrite heart. That is what he brought before God’s throne of grace. “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (Psalm 51:16-17).
So, it is as we come to the next part of the Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our debts” (Matthew 6:12) or as in Luke 11:4, Forgive us our sins. Do you really see your sins as a debt against God? Have you ever considered, the price He paid for your sin? Has your heart ever broke, shattered into pieces, when you consider your own sin against God? Is not all our sin a sin against a Holy, Righteous God? When was the last time you fell before God and wept with a broken and humbled heart, desiring to be cleansed? Do you like Paul, moan that your heart be fully transformed into the image of Christ? (Romans 8:22-26).
Every unkind word I have spoken. The moments in which my own selfish pride tries to overtake the throne of my heart, loom before me. They are like arrows piercing my heart until I fall before His throne of Grace, broken and defeated. It is there that He wraps His arms of love around me, gently step by step transforming my heart. Yet, that cannot happen until my heart is truly broken by my sin. I must see my sin through His eyes for the evil it truly is.
Forgiven by God’s Grace
Oh, but it is His Grace that meets me there at the foot of the cross, when I come to Him with a broken and contrite heart. There He reminds me that Jesus Christ paid the full penalty for my sin. He chose to pay my debt and to then cloak me in His righteousness for all of eternity. One day, I will stand before Him perfected. However, as long as I am in this human body, I will at times be forced to my knees asking for forgiveness. Let me never take His grace for granted, forgetting the price He paid and the debt I owe Him.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (His righteousness). But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans 8:10-15).
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts Concerning the Lord’s Prayer
What are You Really Asking God For?
Do You Mean It When You Pray Thy Will Be Done?
How to Live in Joyful Expectation of God’s Kingdom
How to Really Honor God: Hallowed Be Thy Name
What is the Significance of Having a Heavenly Father?
Do You Really Know God as Father?
How Important is the Lord’s Prayer?
POEMS
Oh, Father Dear, What Can I Say? A Prayer
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
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