When I Sin

David Eldridge

Psalm 51 is written by David after being confronted about his sin by the prophet Nathan (cf. 2 Sam. 12:1-13). Consider, from this psalm, when I sin...

I must acknowledge my sin. After Nathan’s parable, David said what seems sometimes to be the hardest words to say, “I have sinned” (2 Sam. 12:13). In Psalm 51:3 David writes, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” Too many will never receive the forgiveness of God because they, like the Laodiceans, say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” while failing to see that they are “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). As David did, when I sin, I must acknowledge my transgression before God.

I must plead for mercy. David pleaded, “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness...blot out my transgressions” (Ps. 51:1). Many seek to have God simply overlook or ignore their sin, but we must plead for mercy to be saved (Ti. 3:5). When I sin, I must look for the mercy of God which He is very willing to give (Ps. 86:5).

I must repent of my sin. David noted that, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart – these, O God, You will not despise” (Ps. 51:17). Our heart should be broken realizing that we have sinned against God as David’s was. He wrote, “Against You, You only, have I sinned” (Ps. 51:4). This contrite heart is the heart full of Godly sorrow and willing to truly repent (2 Cor. 7:10). When I sin, I must repent of my sin.

I must seek restoration. David realized his sin had separated him from God and he sought to be restored (Col. 1:21). He said in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Restoration comes only after we have been forgiven of our transgressions (vv. 7-9). Upon being forgiven, God welcomes one back, not with ridicule, but in loving kindness. When I sin, I must seek God’s forgiveness and restoration.

I must do better. David requested, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). Upon receiving the forgiveness of God, one should seek to do better in the future with the help of God. When I sin, I must determine to do better in the future.