Year 8, Day 196: Psalm 51

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Psalm 51 is a classic psalm.  It contains refrains that are used over and over in popular culture.  The “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me” refrain is present.  “Oh Lord, open my lips and I will declare your praise.” These phrases are often referenced as people turn to the Lord.

Looking back to the beginning of the psalm, we can understand why the psalmist would say these things.  The psalmist has a great understanding of their own sinfulness.  In fact, the psalmist has a great understanding of their own redemption, too.  It is God who washes us clean.  It is God who purifies us.  We do not purify ourselves.  The psalmist knows this, which is why the psalmist desires to request cleansing from God.  He creates clean hearts within us.  Our response should be to declare Him praise.

Ultimately, this brings us to the end of the psalm.  An oft overlooked passage, but a rather important one nonetheless, are Psalm 51:16-17.  He the psalmist tells us for certain what is in the mind of God.  God does not desire burnt offerings from an impure person.  As discussed yesterday, what can we sacrifice that really isn’t God’s anyways?

What God desires is a broken spirit and a contrite heart.  What God desires is that we understand our brokenness.  God desires an understanding of our sin and confession of our inability to resolve the situation.  God desires an attitude within that starts with our brokenness and looks ahead to our redemption.  These are the things that God does not despise.

<><