Godly Sorrow

Key verse: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

One day, students of the University of Virginia, United States of America, staged a riot that resulted in the attack of some professors, who tried to mediate on the issue. The following day, the university’s board called an emergency meeting to resolve the crisis. Thomas Jefferson, who was a member of the board, offered to address the defiant students. 

“This is one of the most painful events of my life,” Jefferson began. Suddenly, he could not contend his emotion and so, he burst into tears. Another board member, who took over, asked the rioters to repudiate their action. One after the other, they all did. Later, one of them said, “It was not Mr. Jefferson’s words, but his tears.” The preacher, who narrated this story, then concluded: “Just like the students were moved by Jefferson’s brokenness, so is God by ours. When we are truly broken and sorry for our sins, this leads to repentance.”

David, from our text, had such a contrite heart. When Nathan, the Prophet confronted him after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, David admitted his guilt. He pleaded for mercy and asked for his sins to be blotted out. He acknowledged his sin, but noted he would not be able to deal with it without God. He did not blame the society or his fallen nature. Rather, he assumed full responsibility.

Some people, today, cover their sins. Once their pastor or spouses did not discover, they feel justified. Are you like that, covering your sin? You may succeed before men, but not before God. Remember that, “he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). 

Thought for today: True repentance from sin begets total renewal.