text:_ Psalm 51 Reflections

Psalm 51 reminds me of a number of songs that I know!

I am amazed when I read the Psalms. David’s timing as far as when he writes is impeccable; when he won a battle, is scared to death for his life(59), is seeking revenge, picking out wedding music (45), is petitioning God for something (38), when he feigned insanity (34), when he dedicated the temple (30), when he is faint and afflicted (102), and even a song when he was in a cave (142). Interesting and diverse settings, wouldn’t you say?

He even included instrumentations like if stringed instruments should be used or perhaps the trill of a flute. Sometimes he even called for certain tunes or melodies to be used. He was quite a musician-and one who could communicate the gamut of humanity in song. I love David. Psalm 51 was written in circumstances that were terse at best. He was confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. He was brought to task.

I don’t know about you but consider this; when was the last time you were confronted with truth and decided you should write a little “ditty” about it? You were just caught in the thick of a mess, your friend confronts you, and you pull out your paper and pen to write a few lines of inspirational music to celebrate the clash? Is this you? Or is this you?;

You have been confronted by a friend regarding the truth of a serious matter. As you listen to the words, the hair on the back of your neck bristles but inwardly, you decide to put on your poker face look. You look amused, shocked, amazed. “That’s not me they are talking about,” you tell yourself. And as the words flow from your friend’s mouth and heart, you feel angry, defensive, betrayed…how dare they! Yeah, I’d say this is more like me.

I wouldn’t be the one writing a song about this confrontation. Who likes being confronted-even in love? Let’s look further, though, and determine why this confrontation causes David to write a Psalm about his experience.

From what I can tell, David’s heart was inclined to God; fully, unreservedly, unequivocally. His heart was STILL, even in the midst of the confrontation, tender to the Lover of His Soul. He received the truth…after he had an outburst, of course! Nathan touched a nerve deep inside the soul of David. When he gave David the parable of the lamb (see 2 Samuel 12:1-10), Nathan knew this would strike a chord in David. And David was true to himself and the Lord in his response.

I’ve had many confrontations throughout my life. I am sure I am not done with them, either. Some have been disasters. But some have been incredible places of healing, if only I have ears to hear and a heart that listens.

God’s truths applied liberally with His loving kindness, can only lead to wholeness, whether it is a broken friendship, a parental rift, a marriage headed for the rocks, financial troubles caused by tough choices, a personal failure, an estrangement from a loved one, or a feud that has gone on one too many years. God’s truth can change the course of history.

God’s truth can mend a broken friendship, cause children and parents to truly love one another, steer a marriage to deeper waters of intimacy instead of on a crash course towards the brakers, redeem a choice made in a moment, reconcile one with a loved one, and even end a feud that has gone on too long.

David’s Psalm 51 is a Psalm of hope. It is a Psalm of relief- confession is really good for the soul! David encouraged himself through his writings. Thank God for Nathan’s courage! Thank God for David’s tenderness toward the truth of Christ. That God for redeeming a situation that could have had after shocks through history!

What a great heart David had. David is my role model; he is consistently tending to the things of God. He listens, he repents, and amidst his failing, he is humble, malleable, he is a man of his word and he really believes what he writes about. May we be people like David!

The next time you are facing a tough situation that has you in the pit of despair, think about David. He broke out in song when faced with truth. I want to be like that, too. How about you? Is anything too hard for the God of the universe? Read Psalm 51 again with new eyes to see the possibilities.