Psalm 51

This well-known penitential psalm often looms dark amidst the others for me, perhaps because of the grave circumstances in which David wrote it. But I found afresh the beauty and hope of the psalm while reading it this evening. I was struck by the realization that there are so many more words of hope and peace than of the dark shadows of despair and torment.

transgressions
iniquity
sin
evil
bloodguiltiness
abundant mercy
steadfast love
cleansing
washing
renewing
truth
wisdom
right spirit
joy restored
clean heart
contrite heart
willing spirit
salvation
righteousness
singing praises

I read elsewhere today, as it so happens, some thoughts on Psalm 51 from Gloria Furman's Glimpses of Grace:

"In exchange for the shame of his sin, David asks the Lord to give him joy... Only a heart that has been cleansed by God's grace will bare itself to the world as a testimony to God's mercy and righteousness... God in his grace invites us to be continually repenting of our sins and rejoicing in Christ's provision of righteousness for us." 

What beauty there is in the gospel!