CONTRITE CONFESSION
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Psalm 51:16-17 (NLT)
In Psalm 51, David pours out his heart in repentance after being confronted by the prophet Nathan for his sins. He realizes God isn't interested in mere ritual sacrifices or outward religious acts. Instead, God desires something much deeper—a broken spirit and a contrite heart.
We live in a culture that often values appearances. It's easy to think we can make up for our mistakes by doing good deeds, attending church services, or saying the right things. But David's words remind us that God sees beyond our external actions. He looks at the condition of our hearts. Interestingly, this is something we see God say as He is about to choose David as king, not his brother, who externally looks the part. See 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT): But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
True repentance isn't about going through the motions; it's about a genuine acknowledgment of our sin and a deep sorrow for having grieved the heart of God. When we come to Him with a broken spirit, admitting our faults and seeking His forgiveness, He doesn't turn us away. Instead, He draws near to us with mercy and grace. But remember—it's not about balancing the scale by your own actions or efforts. God isn't interested in our performance. He desires heart change.
APPLICATION: Be humble and honest before God right now. Confess any sin in your life that you've been concealing. He already knows about it, but He desires you to take the step of sharing that with Him. Ask God to help you cease any striving and simply rely on the accomplished work of His Son.
PRAYER: Lord, grant me a broken and contrite spirit. Help me to not find my acceptance in what I can do for You, but rather in what Your Son Jesus has done for me. I trust You; help me to trust You more. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?