In many ways, David's life is like a fairy tale, and in many respects David's life is to be admired. The shepherd boy went from a poor life tending sheep in the open fields, quiet valleys and beside the rippling brooks to riches on the throne, where he led God's chosen people, Israel. David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, composed songs of praise and worship as well as prayers and prophesied. Scripture records that David's heart was after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). His righteous character was noted by God, and therefore God chose him to take unrighteous Saul's place. David's desire to know God and emulate God's character, kept him waiting upon the Lord as to when he would take the throne. Yet, despite all this righteousness, David fell into grievous sin. He violated several of the Ten Commandments that he was taught from infancy and coveted his neighbor's wife, committing adultery with her. What is more, to cover his indecency, he orchestrated events to have her husband killed in battle (2 Samuel 11).

David's transgressions broke his fellowship with God and led to stress and mental anguish. It is debated whether David is the author of this Psalm, but regardless, undoubtedly, he would recognize that his sin was so traumatizing that he could understand, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer" (vv. 3-4). Thankfully, David was confronted with his sin and he repented (2 Samuel 12). God forgave David and Psalm 51 was written in response to God's mercy and grace. David understood that, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit" (vv. 1-2).

What about you? Are your transgressions forgiven? Are your sins not counted against you? Is there no deceit in your spirit? Confess your sins to Jesus, turn from those sins and invite Jesus Christ into your life and walk with him, and you will discover the truthfulness and joy of this Psalm.

"Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"

David W. Davis