This past Sunday, Darryl talked about David’s great moral failing in 2 Samuel 11 with Uriah and Bathsheba. Though David did a pitiful job of correcting and dealing with the sin within his household, as we will see over the next weeks, we do see him earnestly seeking reconciliation with God. In a deep sorrow over his sin and the rebuke by the prophet Nathaniel, David pens Psalm 51.
I’ve written, and many others much smarter than me have said, that worship has two major aspects: the vertical (God and me) and the horizontal (God with us). David seemed to struggle with this horizontal worship when it came to his sin and repentance, this 51st Psalm bears his heart to God. He realizes the gravity of his sin and cries out to God for mercy and forgiveness.
Why is all this so important? Before we can worship in community with others, our heart has to be in the right place before God. There is so much that can trip us up and keep us from being prepared
to join the song of praise to the Lord. Over the next week consider what it is that hinders your worship and leave it at the cross before you ever cross the threshold of the building.
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Psalm 51:1-2, 13 (ESV)