May 15th

May 15th -- Psalm 51 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NLT)

Read on your own, please, because it is yet again too short to summarize. Basically, though, David's pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness.

I really love this passage. Like, a lot. I mean, have you ever had one of those times where you did something wrong, and KNOW it was wrong, and then you feel like the guiltiest most awful person on the face of the planet for a few hours (or longer)? I have! To me, that's kind of what this passage comes across like - begging for mercy because we've messed up and we know it, and really do want to change. He's begging God to restore Him, and not leave, or take the Holy Spirit. He's begging for forgiveness, and for help from God to change. It all just sort of rings with me on a personal note. See, I have an EXTREMELY guilty conscience. So, when I sin, and I recognize that I have, I feel guilty, like what David says in verse 3. I mean, we're really just sort of stuck being sinners, and knowing it. The only way to NOT have it eat us alive (or, well, in my opinion at least) is acknowledging it, and crying out to God for His mercy, and help to change, because we know He hears us. Also, I love that he points out that God doesn't want a sacrifice, but a "broken spirit". Basically, God doesn't want any form of sacrifice (like the olden times cows, or like newer tithing, or even the good deeds stuff), not really, because what He wants is us to come to Him with empty hearts and spirits so He may heal and fix them. We all start with a broken spirit, really, since the fall, but we have to acknowledge it before we can bring it to Him. I also find it good to re-acknowledge it when I know I mess up, so that I am aware of it when I pray. I guess what I mean is, unless or until you're really coming in that state David is in, God may reject your "offering", because it won't be the broken spirit He wants. When your spirit is fixed, then it may be followed by the others sorts of offerings (well, not the animal sacrifices... that was Bible times, and Bible times only).

God bless! Shalom!