Contrast of Hearts - Psalm 51-53

Psalm 51 is of course the great Psalm David wrote during or after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. David realized his sin (both the act and the cover up) and feel into tremendous guilt and pain. The Psalm records that his sin is "ever before him." He couldn't get it out of his head. Although the pleasures of sin are before us for a moment the outcome of the sin last forever in our minds. Guilt is that thing God gives us to bring us to him. David says in this Psalm that he felt as though his very bones were broken. The guilt of sin had an effect on his physiological condition. We often see psychological depression manifests itself in physical illnesses. David is a walking case study. Yet, he cries out to God. He recognizes God as holy and as compassionate. He cries out based upon God's love and compassion (verse one). Compare and contrast that with Psalm 52 and 53. What Psalm 51 has in depth of God's love and character these two Psalms have in depth of man's depravity and pride. Whereas David was able to submit in humility to God those talked about in Psalm 52 and 53 are covered in pride. They don't feel the guilty that leads to repentance. Instead they see God in anger and rejoice in their sin and their own wisdom. They will be brought down. They will suffer for their pride. But, what is the difference between David and them? The only thing that separates the two is that God worked in David's life and allowed his guilt to manifest itself in true repentance. We sometimes don't see God's hand of mercy in this way. When we feel guilty it is God allow us to sense His holy presence and repent. There are those who sin and have no guilt. They don't turn to God and they don't seek forgiveness. Our guilt, although painful and with internal strife, is there to lead us to repentance. The next time you feel guilty rejoice. God is there to wipe away that guilt and to restore us to Himself. Guilt leads to repentance. repentance leads to rejoicing.