“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” (Psalms 51:1)

David is known as the greatest king that the nation of Israel ever had. Yet for all his greatness, we know that he had sunk to the depths of depravity when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed in order to hide his sin.

After being reproved for his sin, it is possible that King David could have despaired and fallen even further into iniquity. But he didn’t. And as a result of David’s repentance, we have been given one of the greatest prayers of the Bible.

In the 51^st Psalm, David acknowledged his sin (Psalms 51:3); that it was (as all sin is) against God (Psalms 51:4); and that he sought to be restored (Psalms 51:12). Above all, David realized that his salvation was according to the tender mercies of God (Psalms 51:1), the multitude of which is undeserved.

Many people teach that David’s sin had somehow cost him God’s saving Grace. Such a teaching not only contradicts the very definition of Grace as unmerited favor, it also ignores the fact that David’s prayer was answered and that he continued to have an intimate relationship with the Lord his God. David was chastened for his sin; but the Lord never stopped loving him.

The Apostle Paul tells us:

“But God, who is rich in mercy… hath quickened us… For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:4, 5, 8-9)

The very Grace that saves us will keep us. Our salvation (like David’s) is an expression of the unending Love of God.

Child of God, if you have come to know that the Lord is Good, in that He has been merciful in saving you; then you should know that He is Good in that His Mercies are renewed daily (Lamentations 3:23), and that His Grace is sufficient for every need (2 Corinthians 12:9). God never gives up on His Children. But in every instance, He would have us turn (and return) to Him.

If you have departed from the Living God, having left the path of Peace, and find that you have no Joy; if your iniquities have separated you from God, and you feel the oppressive sense of despair and grief for your sin – your solace is in Christ, Who is faithful and just to forgive our sin and to renew a right relationship with us. Seek His Comfort today, that you may have rest for your soul and Joy in His Presence.