Reflection:  Which stories come to mind when you think about David? How he was chosen by God, who looks at man’s heart, not just his outward appearance? Or perhaps, the great faith David displayed as a boy, when he faced a giant in God’s name alone? Do you think of David as God’s chosen king, after Saul’s troubled reign? Or perhaps David stands out in your mind as a psalmist, a man after God’s own heart. David is so many things – an exceptional character in so many ways, a noble figure of faith that we can learn from. Yet David
he was also an adulterer, and a murderer. This psalm is his repentance for the sin he committed with Bathsheba. Confronted with his sin, David begs God for mercy, to be cleansed. His desire is for a pure heart and to dwell in God’s presence.
Question: Overall, is David a Bible character you admire, or do you stumble in your admiration when you consider his sinful treatment of Bathsheba and her husband? Or perhaps David’s sin and earnest repentance are what you admire about him?
Prayer:  Dear God, may we have hearts like David’s – full of love for you, and equally full of repentance and sorrow at our sin. Thank you, Father, that in Jesus our salvation is assured; thank you that
through Jesus’ atonement for our sin, you will never withdraw your presence from us. Thank you for the indwelling of your Holy Spirit, who strengthens us to live for you. In Jesus we pray, Amen.
We are reading the Bible with Karen Mudge until 10th February.