The Path to Restoration

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Psalm 51: 1-2, 10, 12
“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! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
 

Sin—our inevitable yet shameful acts of defiance against God and His law. Who can escape it? Yet, even in our dire helplessness, God provides a way out.

The psalm begins with an acknowledgement of God’s perfect attributes: His unconditional love and mercy. Every confession should start out like David’s, praising God for His marvelous grace extended toward even the blackest corners of our hearts. He is the One who makes our repentance possible.

Although some may view David’s confession as somber or depressing, there is hope in his remorse. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (vs. 12). So often we forget that there is joy in sorrow, and hope in repentance. We see confession as an unruly chore that simply enables us to win back God’s favor. In actuality, confession throws open the door to restoration, mending the damaged relationship with our Savior. Just like the dramatic homecoming of the prodigal son, confession is the spurning of all restraint, the humble baring of our souls before the Lord.

And our Father is always waiting, racing to embrace us and welcome us back to Him.
 

Annette Bergsagel is a junior in high school at The Classes at Town North. She has three younger siblings, and her favorite hobbies are reading, writing, and singing.