What does the Book of Psalms say or teach us about repentance? This book is filled with prayers and songs from a man who God decribes as a man after my own heart 1 Samuel 13:14. As we shall see repentance was part of David’s prayer life. He clearly saw his shortfalls and with a contrite heart sought God’s forgiveness and I believe He provides us with a godly example.
To answer this topic, let us first look at the nature of God, the consequences of our sin and then look at some of the repentance prayers in the book of Psalms and finally answer the question how do we repent? I am not a theologian but a Christian sharing what I have learnt as I walk with the Lord Jesus and reading of scripture.
The nature of God
1. God alone forgives sin.
- Psalms 85:2 Thou hast forgiven the iniuity of they people, thou hast covered all their sin.
- Psalms 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.
- Psalms 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared
2. He is full of mercy and is willing to forgive us .
- Ps 103:10 goes on to say, He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
- Psalms 78:38 but he, full of compassion, forgave their iniquity and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
3. He hates sin and will punish sinners.
- Psalms 130:3 If thou, Lord shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord who shall stand?
- Psalms 5:4 For thou are not a God tht hath plesure in wickedness neither shall evil dwell with thee.
4.God will teach us how to live in righteousness.
- Psalms 25:8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. And one of my favourite verses,
- Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
What are the consequences of our sins?
Our sins ruin the relationship that God intends for us to enjoy here on earth and in heaven for eternity. When we walk in our sins without repenting, what happens to us?
1. God will not hear us.
- Psalms 66:18 says If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. For a moment, imagine life separated from God, not hearing His voice, not knowing His direction for you or wanting His blessings or help in time of need and not receiving it. This makes life difficult.
2. We will not prosper.
- Psalms 36:12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.
3. We deny ourselves peace.
- Psalms 32:3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed olf through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy on me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.
Repentance Prayers In the Psalms
Psalms 38:18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin
Psalms 25:11 For they name’s sake, O Lord Pardon mine iniquity for it is great
Psalms 28:3 Draw me no away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts
Psalms 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalms 25:7 Remeber not the sns of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to they mercy remember thou me for they goodness’ sake, O Lord.
How do we repent?
I suggest we follow David’s example in Psalms 32:5 where he says I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity I have not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.
Here we see three steps involved in repentance
- Acknowledged my sin. David is not hiding his sin or justifiying them. neither is he giving excuses for falling short of God’s standard. He did not hid it. For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me (Psalms 51:3). Note he acknowledges that he has sinned against God.
- He confessed his transgression. Psalms 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
- Ask for forgiveness. Psalms 51:2 wash me thoroughly from mine iniuity and cleanse me from my sin
What Happens When We Repent
When we repent, God forgives our sins. What a joy this is!
We enjoy His blessings, peace and eternal life. Psalms 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. This is one of the keys of a successful life.
Conclusion
God is a righteous God whose standard is beyond our reach that is why we cannot save ourselves. We find salvation in Jesus Christ alone.
If you find yourself struggling over and over in sin, remember that God is a merciful God, His desire is that you walk in righteousnes. Furthermore, remember to pray and fast for the strength to overcome the temptation. Spend time in His word and worship, therein lies victory.
As you do, God will instruct you in the way to go which is the way of righteousness. May this verse be your prayer. Psalms 119:133 order my steps in they word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
May God help us to live in righteousness and repentance constantly especially that his coming draws near. The Bible also commanded us to live in holiness in 1 Peter 1:16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I hope that through these verses we have been able to answer the question what does Psalms say about repentance and most importantly this post inspires you to draw closer to God.
Shalom.
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