Meditation

Read Psalm 51:13-17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.—Psalm 51:17 (KJV)

Today’s reading is from a psalm of David, the king of Israel. It reflects his thoughts after he has realized the gravity and implications of conspiracy against Uriah the Hittite and his adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. His actions result in a baby boy, and God rebukes David through the prophet Nathan. (See 2 Sam. 11-12.)

In the psalm, David’s broken heart is obvious. He has realized that he has sinned against God, whom he loves. He fears being separated from God because of his actions. Despite the consequences he suffered, God restored David’s life.

In 2007, when I was 21 years old, my heart felt burdened with sin. I decided to go to church the next Sunday to seek redemption. I was broken inside and felt hopeless. But every word the pastor preached spoke directly to my heart. That moment marked my life forever. The joy and the love for God I felt were indescribable. David’s story reassures me that no matter how broken we are God can restore us all.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for your mercy and the way you restore our lives. Amen.

Thought for the day: God’s love can restore anyone.

—Albert Dob, Romania