“Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:12-14 ESV
Grace Perspective:
At the beginning of Psalm 19, David proclaims God’s majesty and glory that are displayed in creation. As we look at the beauty of nature, at the brilliant sun that shines and sparkling stars in the night sky, they reveal our Creator’s work. He divinely designed the sun and moon to provide light for the day and night, reminding us that God’s powerful presence is as constant as the sun’s rising and setting.
David continues to proclaim God’s goodness revealed through Scripture. The Bible points to the wisdom of fearing God because of Who He is and the comfort that comes when we know we are cleansed from our sin.
In verses 12-14, David shares a moment of deep introspection. If we are honest, which one of us really knows the depth of sin in our hearts? We may be able to see obvious sin, but many pesky sins try to take control of our hearts and minds. David Guzik breaks down sin for us in this way.
“- It goes from passing temptation to chosen thought (errors).
– It goes from chosen thought to object of meditation.
– It goes from object of meditation to wished-for fulfillment.
– It goes from wished-for fulfillment to planned action (secret faults).
– It goes from planned action to opportunity sought.
– It goes from opportunity sought to performed act.
– It goes from action to repeated action.
– It goes from repeated action to delight (presumptuous sins).
– It goes from delight to new and various ways.
– It goes from new and various ways to habit.
– It goes from habit to idolatry, demanding to be served.
– It goes from idolatry to sacrifice.
– It goes from sacrifice to slavery.” [i]
David’s pleas to be free from all sin, unknown and know, helps us pray in the same way. God hears our confession and graciously forgives our sins, both hidden and presumptuous. Scripture repeatedly calls us to repent of sin (acknowledge that we rebel against God and do what is evil in His sight) and turn to Him for forgiveness. We are forgiven when we come to the Rock and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Who paid the penalty for our sin, so we are acceptable in God’s sight.
God never rejects an honest plea from someone seeking His gracious forgiveness.
A Touch of Grace:
What is tempting you to sin right now?
What do you need to turn from to know the comfort of gracious forgiveness?
Grace Application:
This Psalm is a good mirror for us to look into as we examine ourselves. I mean, really take time to look deep into our hearts and allow the truth of Scripture to reveal any hidden or presumptuous sin lurking there. This isn’t an exercise meant to cause despair, but bring freedom from the slavery of sin that causes us to doubt God’s goodness.
David new the cost of hidden sin (see 2 Samuel 11) and the freedom found in repentance. God is always ready to hear our plea when we ask Him to search our hearts to see what sin is lurking in there. Often we aren’t aware of our sin because we don’t know what God considers sinful. That’s why reading and understanding Scripture is vital in our relationship with Christ. The Word is like a bright candle, shining into our hearts’ darkest recesses to reveal what is hidden. Truth not only exposes sin but reminds us of the loving mercy God gives when we come to Him seeking forgiveness for sin, both unknown and known.
If your heart is heavy and you don’t know why ask God to search your heart and reveal any hidden sin. He is faithful to answer our pleas. Then receive the forgiveness God promises to all who ask with humble and contrite hearts. Walk in the joyful freedom forgiveness brings. We don’t have to walk in fear and doubt because when God forgives us, He removes our sin as far as the East is from the West (Psalm 103:12).
There is only one sin that can’t be forgiven, and that’s the sin of rejecting Christ and His sacrifice for sin. If you doubt where you stand with God, I plead with you to seek God, acknowledge the sin that separates you from Him, and trust that the blood Jesus Christ shed for you is sufficient to cleanse you from all sin. God responds to our pleas, and will graciously forgive all who seek Him in truth.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, You are powerful! All creation reveals Your strength and glory. Thank You for reminding us that You are always present with us. Thank You for the truth that You hear our pleas when we come to You with humble hearts. I come to You, My Rock and Redeemer, asking You to reveal any sin that keeps me from walking in true freedom. Like David, I ask that You keep me from all sin, but especially presumptuous sin. Lord help my heart and words reflect Your truth so that You are honored. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.
[i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Psa/Psa-19.cfm?a=497012
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for certain you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please call out to God so all doubt may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**