Today’s 333 Devotional: “A Repentant Heart”

David willing confessed and repented of his sins. David committed some serious sins, which according to the Law he should have been put to death. But, when confronted with his sins, David confessed and accepted the God’s discipline. David accepted responsibility for his actions and turned away from his sin and turned toward God. Never again do we see him sin in these same ways.

David doesn’t make excuses for his sin, He simply confesses and turns away from them, accepting the blame and throwing himself upon the mercy of God. This is a heart that is after God.

David demonstrates a heart that is for God in his desire to confess and repent and live a life of holiness.

The Bible says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

The Apostle John said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

To confess means more than saying “I’m sorry.” The word means that we are agreeing with God about our sins. We must see the seriousness of sin from God’s perspective.

Once we agree with God about the seriousness of sin, and about our own sin, then like He did with David, God will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is what David knew, which is why he cried out to God these words when he repented of his sins.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:1-3)

We need godly sorrow followed by a repentant heart. It is only when we stop kidding ourselves, and justifying our sins, that we can truly have a heart that is after God’s heart.