Psalm 51:11-19

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
    O God of my salvation,
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
    build up the walls of Jerusalem;
 then will you delight in right sacrifices,
    in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.

– Psalm 51:11-19

Devotion

David continues the confession that we read yesterday in these verses. Here he expresses his fundamental desire for close fellowship with God. He wants God to control his heart, which will, in turn, control his lifestyle. Although we don’t have to fear having God take His Holy Spirit away from us if we have accepted Christ (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), it is possible for us to grieve the Holy Spirit or quench His work in our lives due to pride and self-dependence. But a humble heart, and an openness to allowing God to change us, will empower us to follow His will and change our world.

The Big Question

How has God changed you? In what ways has He given you victory over sin? Praise God that He hears our humble cries. Ask Him to have total control today!

Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.