My son Alton and I spoke by phone this evening and upon Alton’s suggestion have decided to study Psalm 51 (NIV translation). We both recently got the same edition study Bible to coordinate our readings. In my first review of the psalm, it is clear that it is filled with verses repeated so often that reading it is like hearing the familiar voice of an old friend. Examples are: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” and the verse,”Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Two needed characteristics of mankind are shown—confessional honesty regarding his sins and acknowledgement that renewal will require divine help. Humility is the first step towards positive change. To decide that in the future divine help will not be necessary is to hold that man’s perception is completely reliable—this is a position (through experience) most find a stretch to accept. This psalm proves to be a fitting start to a study of the truths revealed throughout scripture.
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