Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 WEB

Only Jesus Christ lived a life of perfect obedience to the will and law of God. The bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. WEB” In each of us, there is a mixture of good and evil. No one lives life free of sin. This includes the beloved and embattled King David who wrote Psalm 51.

From the roof of his palace, David saw a beautiful woman bathing and sent an aid to inquire about her. The assistant returned and gave the king her name and information about her marital status. Filled with lust for Bathsheba, David commanded messengers to bring her to him. Although married to Uriah, a man at war serving David, she came, and they committed the sin of adultery.

Bathsheba became pregnant. The king hoped to conceal the fact that the pregnancy resulted from their adulterous affair. And so, David, attempted to reunite Uriah and Bathsheba calling for his return to Jerusalem. But Uriah refused to sleep with his wife while the army remained in the field.

David then sent Uriah back to the conflict with specific orders to ensure his death in battle. His lust for Bathsheba, murderous plan for Uriah, and rebellion to God’s law angered the Lord.

The prophet Samuel related God’s displeasure to the sinful king. David’s words asking God to “create in me a clean heart” are his sorrowful song of repentance for his wicked deeds.

Good Treasure Brings Out Good Things

When correcting the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 34-35 Jesus says, “You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. WEB” Understanding these words, it is clear that sin comes from a corrupt heart.

Notice that David pleads to God for a clean heart. Jesus says in Matthew 5:28, “but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. WEB” David committed the sin of adultery in his heart before committing the physical act. For this reason, he needed a change of heart.

Beyond that, he needed renewal of his spirit. He asks for a “right spirit” because of his rebellion and disobedience to the word and will of God. David recognized that his sin caused guilt, suffering, and grief. Remorseful from the pain of confronting his own wickedness, David repented, turning away from sin and toward obedience to God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: He Who Raised the Lord