May 16

The Psalm Of Penitence

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 that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. — Ps 51:3-4 BSB

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, — Rom 3:23 BSB

This psalm is like a staircase in the temple, worn smooth by the feet of countless penitents over the years. The page is wet with the tears of both saints and sinners. Augustine had these psalms written on the walls of his cell at Hippo so he could meditate on them constantly. They often become more precious to us as we near the end of life than at the beginning.

Consider the descriptions of sin. Sin is like an erasure or blot on the clean page of life, which is why the psalmist cries, “Blot out my transgressions.” How we wish that God would blot out the scribbles and smudges of our later years and restore the freshness of our youth! Sin is also a stain on the white robe of the soul, which is why the psalmist pleads, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity.” There is only one way to enter the Holy City: “Blessed are they who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb.” Sin is like leprosy, and so we cry, “Cleanse me from my sin; purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” When Jesus touched the leper and said, “Be clean,” He extended that same healing to us.

Forgiveness requires confession. We must acknowledge our transgressions, realizing that sin is not only against man but against God, to whom we belong. God is personally affronted by our sin. Our confession must be deep and sincere, not superficial. We must recognize our connection to a sinful race and search our inward parts for the roots of sin.

We cry out for purity and righteousness of life. A clean heart must be created, for there is nothing within us to mold or shape it. Ephesians 4:24 tells us that God has provided everything necessary for this. We long for a “right,” or steadfast spirit, one that will not veer off course but remain focused on the goal. The Greek word for sin means “missing the mark,” and we desire a spirit that stays on target. We also yearn for a “free” or willing spirit (as the Revised Version margin suggests). What a profound transformation! Yet it has already been achieved in countless lives (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our many sins, failures, and ignorances. Cleanse us from all iniquity for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. May we hate sin as You do, and may Your grace penetrate deep into our hearts, purifying the springs of our thoughts and actions. Amen.