Topic: Reconnecting to God [Friday May 29, 2015]
Text: Psalm 51:1-19
Key Verse: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:12).
True stories abound of people who went from rags to riches; from “zero to hero” and from nobodies to significant personalities. But every now and then, we also stumble on true riches-to-rags stories – stories about people who, for whatever reason, fell from top of the success ladder to the bottom. It is such a painful experience. However, more painful is the experience of falling from grace – out of favour with God.
David, the great psalmist and king of Israel, once found himself in that ugly position. Our text is a record of David’s prayer seeking reconnection with God. King David had fallen into the sin of adultery. When his attempt to cover it failed, he plotted the death of Bathsheba’s husband. By this, he lost connection with God and forfeited the joy of salvation and blessedness of a pure heart. Although he was still a king and had much power, he experienced the unbearable misery of a backslider.
David fell. But as soon as he got convicted, he repented. He did not rationalize or cover his sins. His penitent prayer in this psalm is an all-time classic, and offers a deep insight into what attitude, prayer and decision that can help to reconnect a backslider to God. This prayer drips deep godly sorrow, repentance and positive resolve. The sinner or backslider returning to God must, like David did, own up his sins – recognizing the wickedness of those sins, ask for pardon, confess the specific sins and resolve to accept God’s pardon, the leading of His Spirit and commit to doing God’s will.
Hanging on to church or ministry work or leaning on social influence and goodwill when you have gone into sin and defiled yourself will not restore the lost joy of salvation. Pretence and self-deception will do more damage. As seen in David’s case, only sincere, contrite and determined “returnees” can reconnect with God.
Bible in One Year: Micah 1-4
Thought for The Day: To fall from grace is terrible; to remain in the fall is tragic.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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