What do you do after you’ve really blown it? In this Sunday message from April 6, 2025, Pastor Linda Reese walked through Psalm 51, David’s prayer after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12).

Ask for mercy

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness… Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2, KJV). No sin is too small to bring to God. A lie is a lie. Don’t let sin pile up between you and Him.

Own it

“I acknowledge my transgressions” (51:3). David didn’t blame anyone else, and he saw that his sin was ultimately against God (51:4). Calling a sin “just a habit” doesn’t change what it is.

Let God make you clean

“Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (51:7). Only God can wash a heart. When the enemy whispers that you aren’t really forgiven, answer with the Word. God asks for truth in the inward parts (51:6), and He gives wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5).

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

Forgiveness wasn’t all David needed. He needed a changed heart, the very thing God had promised (Deuteronomy 30:6). He begged God not to take His Holy Spirit from him, as happened to King Saul, and to “restore unto me the joy of thy salvation” (51:11-12).

Then tell others

“Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (51:13). A forgiven heart praises God, from the moment you walk in the church door. Watch your words, too: speak blessings, not curses, over your children and your church. Religion on the outside means little without a right heart, like the tax collector who simply prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

If you want to talk with someone about starting over with God, reach out or send a prayer request. Your name is optional.