“What do I do when I’ve morally failed?”

When we are asked this question we always point to David’s response to moral failure that is recorded in Psalm 51. First, when Nathan the prophet helped David see that his adulteress actions with Bathsheba were sinful, he didn’t deny it. Instead, he “owned it.”

As difficult as it might have been for David to admit his sin, it was the first step to experiencing God’s forgiveness. With an awareness of his wrongdoing weighing heavy on his heart he was more willing to cry out to God for His mercy.

The words of repentance that came from David’s mouth were formed deep in his heart. They echo in the scriptures today for any of us to use who have come to grips with our sin. Thankfully, a songwriter named Mike Hudson captured those words as well as the emotion in them in his song we recorded called, “David’s Song.”

If you are struggling with guilt as a result of moral failure, let David’s cry be your own. Learn the chorus of this song and sing it each time a wave of guilt comes and tries to drown your spirit in guilt. Most important, may God impress on you that He has already answered your prayer. Forgiveness for sin of any kind was accomplished through the cross, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus. It is available right now. Accept it, thank Him for it and rejoice in it today!

“David’s Song”

In the spring of the year when kings go out

For fighting and for fame

Trumpets split the dawn

And the women waved, the children cheered

As the army marched away and I the king stood looking on

 

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love

According to your great compassion, blot out my many transgressions

And wash away all my iniquity, cleanse me from sin

 

In the cool of the night, when sleep should bring

An ending to the day

I climbed the palace stairs

And from my roof I looked below

And I would not look away from the woman who was there

 

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love

According to your great compassion, blot out my many transgressions

And wash away all my iniquity, cleanse me from sin

 

I sent for her, she came to me, I brought her to my room

Though she another’s wife

The night was sweet as we embraced, though passing much too soon

Then the day came like a knife

 

Oh God, why was I so hard hearted, why I was I so willing to give in

Please hold on to me, help me hold on to you

Don’t let me fall like that again

 

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love

According to your great compassion, blot out my many transgressions

And wash away all my iniquity, cleanse me from sin

 

Mike Hudson/Shepherd’s Fold Music/1983

From the CD, “Finish Well” / Steve & Annie Chapman/S&A Family