Psalm 51 is the universal Christian cry of confession, thanks to a wayward king who also possessed a “heart after God.” David’s choice to stay home from battle was his first mistake—he wasn’t where God wanted him. Also, roaming the palace rooftop while he played hooky from war was akin to today’s wayward male surfing the net for eye candy. David knew what he would see from his high perch.
No human witnessed David’s sin at this point, but God knew the secret places of David’s heart.
David had already said yes in his heart, and he ignored opportunities to turn away from sin. In those early struggles, God provided grace to confess “I’m wrong—You desire truth in the innermost being; cleanse me and renew me.” Sadly, David didn’t pen those words until after he had unleashed turmoil in his life by choosing to hide parts of his heart from God.
Adultery, murder, lies, irresponsibility, selfishness, failed leadership, fear, and the pursuit of secret momentary pleasure left a path of destruction jeopardizing a kingdom. David’s decision created devastation for many families.
And what about Bathsheba? While she didn’t plan the tryst or even have time to prepare a response to the king’s messengers, I’m convinced she also cherished secret places of sojourning in her heart.
Ever wonder what Bathsheba’s confession to God sounded like? I’m sorry, Lord, but the king made me do it. Or, Well, You know Lord, he said nice things to me, and I was lonely since my husband was gone fighting a war. Maybe, I was afraid to say no to the most powerful man in the land.
No, I suspect her confession sounded much like David’s—“Against You and You only I have sinned. Create in me a clean heart, O God.” I’m sure she recognized her own responsibility—she knew she had offended God by neglecting to say no. Judging from the truths she later taught her son Solomon, Bathsheba was aware of her inability to make things right.
She knew only God could take her mess and clean it up.
As we struggle with our own wandering hearts, David and Bathsheba are our call to yield to His grace in the middle of our self-inflicted messes. Praying through David’s psalm of confession teaches us to surrender to Him each time we find ourselves cherishing sin in our hearts. Confession is about truth in the places where only God can see—the secret places of the heart.
“He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21)
