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Are you struggling with sin? Take the story of David, and learn how to repent with these 5 steps.
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@FaBarboza
Repentance is not only a key action taken when we come to know Christ but is a continuous action throughout our walk with Christ. Even though we have heard of the word “repent” what does that look like in our lives? If you have just fallen in sin we hope we can provide a visual into what repentance looks like through these simple steps that take away from David’s story. We will focus on “A Prayer of Repentance” or Psalm 51. This is the prayer of repentance after David committed the well-known affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband (Uriah) (2 Samuel 11-12).
Psalm 51, KJV
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
What is Repentance?
Repentance is simply the action of turning from sin. It’s important to note, that saying “sorry” or “forgive me of my sins” without any change to remove that sin is not repentance. Repentance is not just words, but actions. Turning from sin involves taking the steps to move away from those sins.
@LuisaAzevedo
Steps to Take in Repentance
1. Understand that God Offers Forgiveness
David recognized that God offers forgiveness based on the character and attributes of God. As stated, God has lovingkindness, and mercy, and can wash him clean of his sin (Psalm 51:1-2) (1 John 1:9). Remember it is better to address it sooner than later.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9, KJV
2. Go to God & Acknowledge What You’ve Done
As David prayed he acknowledged his transgressions and how abhorrent they were before God (Psalm 51:3-4). We must constantly be conducting analyses of our heart and its condition. Is there any sin that I am struggling with? Is there anything I am putting above God? Check your heart constantly (Proverbs 4:23). Usually, when we think we have it all together, some things could be worked upon (1 John 1:8).
3. Show Remorse
Through acknowledgement show genuine remorse. If your sin grieves you remorse is naturally a part of repentance. As David discussed, God delights in a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). It’s genuine and further recognizes your sin against God.
Contrite - Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt (Oxford Dictionary).
4. Ask for Forgiveness & To Change
Within the beginning of Psalm 51:1-2, David not only acknowledged his sin but asked for forgiveness that we know is offered. He asked for forgiveness, moral cleanliness, and a heart change (Psalm 51:7-12).
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7, KJV
5. Make a Game Plan
Once you have talked to God it doesn’t just stop there. We should acknowledge Him throughout the entire process from acknowledgment to changing our ways (Proverbs 3:6). Acknowledging Him and going to Him for guidance will make your path straight. To stay on track you can utilize these tips based on biblical principles.
Stay in God’s word and let it guide you constantly (Psalm 119:105, Joshua 1:8).
Pray to Him daily (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
If you want an effective method of prayer or want to build a stronger prayer life check out our post on prayer journaling.
Receive advice or have accountability in your life (Christian friends, elders, family) (Proverbs 11:14)
Surround yourself with Christian material (Bible first, worship music, Christian books, sermons, Christian podcasts) (Colossians 3:1-3)
Pluck any weeds (people, things) out of your life that may cause you to sin (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Remember Only the Joy Is Gone Temporary
The analysis of David’s repentance has provided the basic steps within a Godly repentance. However, it’s important to highlight one more thing. Remember that though you may have guilt and shame from your sin, if you are a child of God your salvation can never get taken away (John 10:28). Of course that doesn't mean we should take His grace for granted (Romans 6:15-20). Regardless, David stated plainly, bring back the joy of my salvation (Psalm 51:12). This reflects the joy David had regarding his fellowship with God. When we sin our joy of fellowship can drastly change which is why he asked for the joy to be restored.
Once you go through repentance, it’s important to not let your disobedience keep you from serving Him. Once you have changed your ways move forward, taking the lessons learned with you.
@JosephBarrientos
He will turn again; He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities. And Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:19, KJV
And before you go...
@NoPlaceLeftTraining
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