David has learned (of the Holy Spirit) the DEPTHS of the sin he has committed.
Then David too has scaled the HEIGHTS of the Mercy of God’s Character. Forgiveness has been granted. (“Thy MERCY, O LORD, is IN THE HEAVENS; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.” Psalm 36:5)
Now in today’s Lesson we will watch David ask for the “renewal” of his former spiritual passion!
Let me show you what I mean:
In Verse 6 David … knowing he has been very “foolish” in his sinning … requests “wisdom” in his life once again! The Wisdom of God, the very Wisdom his son Solomon sought as well.
In Verse 7 the Psalmist desires to again be “whiter than snow!” All the “stains” gone!
In Verse 8 he again wants to hear “joy and gladness!” Therefore we can deduct that unconfessed sin mutes any joy or gladness we might have previously been hearing! Makes us spiritually “deaf” to these blessings!
In Verse 10 he asks for “a right spirit!” Verse 11 mentions the “Holy Spirit” of God as well! David feels he CAN NOT LIVE without God’s Holy Spirit!
Then in Verse 12 he asks for security once again, to be “upheld” by God’s “Free Spirit!” I suspect the Holy Spirit Himself is again in David’s mind. The verb “samak” used here means “to support, to establish, to lean up against, to sustain,” thrilling!
And in Verse 15 he is trusting God for (once again, as in the days prior to his sin) “opened lips” with which to praise his wonderful Lord! Also with which “to teach sinners God’s Ways,” back in verse 13.
YES, THIS IS RENEWAL!
Not merely cessation of guilt.
Not merely abatement of wrath, God’s anger at an erring servant.
Not merely some sort of peace with his own conscience.
THIS IS REFRESHING, LIFE CHANGING EMPLOYMENT AGAIN IN THE THINGS OF GOD!
So to speak, the “broken” leg has mended and can “walk” again!
David is praying to a God Who can … “give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness.” Wow, Isaiah 61:3
And even “restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25
Amazing Grace!
Not just forgiven!
RESTORED!
MADE LIKE NEW!
In the truest sense of the word, REVIVED!
Praise the Lord.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell