Psalm 51:7-11 - A holy bath

Scripture

Psalm 51:7-11 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. 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.

Observation

Psalm 51 is one of humble confession. These verses specifically speak to my heart. As I have spent time at the Teachers feet, I have become increasingly aware of my sin.  I have seen jealousy, selfish ambition, envy, and the root of all evil, pride.  I see my filthiness and know I need a holy bath.

And God is so good to turn on the water faucet and pull out the wash rags.  The blood of Jesus provides the ultimate stain remover. Should He help me? No, by all accounts He should have lost His patience with me long ago. But His mercies are new each morning.

Once clean exciting gifts await me:

1. I am acutely aware of God's presence in each moment of the day.
2. I hear joy and gladness all around me. The sounds that use to be distractions now are a beautiful melody of God's goodness singing over me.
3. I have the energy and discipline that comes from His Spirit.
4. I want to tell others of His goodness (found in Psalm 51:13-14).

Application

I would like to not get dirty in the first place. Proverbs 16:6 say's that by love and truth iniquity is atoned for, but through fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.  I have to stay in constant reverence of God in order to avoid the snare of sin. To do that I need to be learning about His character through His word each day. Praise God that He has given me a passion for His word and knowing Him more intimately.

Prayer

Jehova-Rapha, You have healed my infirmities. By Your grace I grow stronger each day.  You word establishes my steps (Psalm 119:133). Thank You for blotting out my transgressions and for making me over. You search my heart and know my ways, before a word leaves my lips You already know what I am going to say (Psalm 139:1,4). I praise You for holding me in the palm of Your hand (Isaiah 49:16). I praise You for inviting me to a deeper relationship with You. You are my healer and I trust in You.