MY PRAYER, GOD'S PROMISES

Jun 5, 2022
2 min read

Lord, today I’m just looking to do what is right in Your eyes. Don’t let me forget to honor You with my prayers and with my actions.

Psalm 51:1-4

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Giving mercy isn’t something that I’m very good at. God, however, is excellent at it. In this passage, I see that King David is grieving deeply over his sin; he had just confessed to his acts of adultery and murder. David doesn’t like the state of his heart here: he feels filthy and deserving of punishment. I can take a lesson from David: instead of running away from God in fear of punishment, he instead runs towards God in search of discipline that will lead to heart-change. Good leaders aren’t sinless, but they are repentant.

David asks God to be compassionate with him; not to withhold punishment, but to blot out his transgressions. He isn’t trying to hide, because he knows his transgressions. His sin is convicting his heart and is always before him.

He also doesn’t try to blame anyone for what he has done: He says against you have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. He is accepting of his punishment and declares God to be right and just.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: When God convicts me of my sin, which way do I turn? Do I try to point the blame to someone else, or do I acknowledge my sin? I fear punishment as much as anyone else. As a loving Father, here is what I know about God’s intent:

God gives discipline so that I will be a better disciple. Learning obedience is the key to successful discipline. If I haven’t learned anything, then I’m not a very good disciple.

God gives discipline to those He loves and offers forgiveness for obedience. Parents who love their children set boundaries for them. God’s discipline is proof that He loves me; His forgiveness tells me that I am His child.

Lord, thank You for Your discipline! I desire to learn from my mistakes and exhort others in my newfound lessons. The only thing I have to offer You is myself!

May you be blessed, Chaplain Wayne Ruckman