by Wendy Reaume

We previously looked at the book of Psalms in their various divisions. Our last division looks at the theme of thanksgiving. We will be focusing on thanksgiving both as a category in the book of Psalms but also elsewhere in the Bible. God puts a high expectation on the attitude of gratitude and it really is something that can change our thinking and our actions. As one learns to practise thanksgiving, the focus narrows to what we do have, not what we don’t have. Even in the worst of situations we can choose to have a glass that is half empty or half full. It isn’t an easy discipline, but it is certainly a worthwhile one.

Today we will focus on two psalms, both having to do with David and Bathsheba.  Written by King David after he was confronted with his actions by the prophet Nathan, the first shows his prayer for forgiveness in the form of a penitent lament. Since we have already studied this style, I will just quote part of it here.

Psalm 51  (For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.)

Have mercy on me, O God,

According to your unfailing love;

According to your great compassion

Blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity 

And cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,

And my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

And done what is evil in your sight;

So, you are right in your verdict

And justified when you judge…

…My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise…

If you read through the whole of Psalm 51 it is clear that David is truly repentant. He has been confronted by Nathan the prophet. His adultery with Bathsheba (and the resulting murder of her husband) is laid before him. This is not simple lip service but a broken and contrite heart. God accepts David’s confession and forgives because David is truly repentant.

King David pens another psalm and this time we see his understanding that he is totally and completely forgiven. He doesn’t live in remorse and regret but rather focuses on what God has done and embraces it with a thankful heart. This is a psalm of personal thanksgiving.

Psalm 32        (Of David. A maskil.)

Blessed is the one

Whose transgressions are forgiven,

Whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the one 

Whose sin the LORD does not count against them

And in whose spirit is no deceit.

When I kept silent,

My bones wasted away

Through my groaning all day long.

For day and night

Your hand was heavy on me; 

My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you 

And did not cover up my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.”

And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore, let all the faithful pray to you

While you may be found,

Surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

You are my hiding place;

You will protect me from trouble

And surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.

I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Do not be like the horse or the mule,

Which have no understanding

But must be controlled by bit and bridle 

Or they will not come to you.

Many are the woes of the wicked,

But the LORD’s unfailing love

Surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;

Sing, all you who are upright in heart!

David is exhorting the readers to rejoice, be glad, sing, pray, trust, learn and to focus on the great gift of forgiveness for transgressions.

This would be all nice and smooth if David had mouthed off at his brother or taken a serving of stew that was not his to have. But we are reading here about an adulterer AND a murderer! The severity of the offense is not lost. God the Father sent Nathan to confront King David with his sin, and then forgave him BECAUSE “then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And the result?  And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world. He died for the iniquities and transgressions that occurred before He lived, and for the ones committed after He lived. Whether a mouthy word, stealing a bowl of stew, adultery or murder it matters not. What matters is do we have a broken and contrite heart? Are we willing to come to the Father and confess our sins and embrace the forgiveness He freely offers because Jesus paid the price?

These two psalms taken together show us that we CAN and SHOULD have thankfulness. There is much to be thankful for. Our sins are covered, washed away and forgiven. We may not forget, but He has removed them as far as the East is from the West.

Let us be thankful for the greatest gift we will ever receive. One that results in eternal life because He has paid the price. Thankful.

Our song for today is Forever by Chris Tomlin.