This weekend Pastor Devin Gough concluded our YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME series with a message about guilt.
Psalm 51:1-4
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!
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
David’s prayer to God came when he faced the awful nature of his own sin. What can this Psalm teach us about how to deal with guilt?
1) Accept God’s love.
David’s prayer is offered “according to” the love of God. Before we can find freedom from guilt we need to trust in the love of God for sinners.
2) Assume responsibility.
Over and over again, David refers to himself as the one responsible for his sin. Owning our sin is key to finding freedom.
3) Admit our sin is against God.
Sin makes victims of people, but is ultimately an offense to God whose laws and love we are violating.
4) Ask God for cleansing.
God is the only one who is able to cleanse our hearts and set us free.
David’s prayer pointed forward to the One whose sacrifice would one day provide forgiveness and freedom for all of us who receive it!