Not Forsaken

Lust. Adultery. A cover-up. A murder.

Those are the big mistakes that King David is bringing to God in Psalm 51—a psalm that walks through various steps of repentance and restoration after failing to follow God’s standards for living rightly.

The first part of verse 11 is a prayer for God not to abandon David because of his failure. David knows that the consequences for sin are serious. His plea to God indicates that he has a repentant spirit that is remorseful and willing to follow God.

Next, he asks for God to restore the joy of his salvation to him. He remembers a time where he had joy and passion as he followed God. But in this season of life, he has become disconnected from that joy.

And lastly, he asks for God to instill within him a spirit that is willing to follow and listen to God. David knows that an obedient life comes through the grace and power of God, and it’s God’s power that will sustain him.

There is much to learn about repentance from this psalm, and how to approach God when we mess up. But, we can be assured that when we mess up, God will not forsake us—just as He did not forsake David. He promises not to remove His presence from us. There is nothing that can take away the love of God from our life.

Because our salvation is secure in Christ forever and always, we can truly experience the joy that He makes possible. We may go through seasons where we don’t feel joyful—but that doesn’t change our status before God.

If you’ve made mistakes recently, spend some time confessing them to God right now. Ask God for forgiveness, and tell Him how you honestly feel today. Then, ask God for the power to live a new life that follows the paths He has for you. And as you pray this, remember that He will always love you. Nothing can separate you from Him.