It is known as “The Sinner’s Guide” and contains some of the most quoted verses in all of Psalms. It is not surprising that this Psalm features some of the most beautifully articulated phrases of repentance within the entire Bible. One characteristic that is not found here is David’s condemnation of the enemy and his plea for help. The entire focus is on the sin of David and his repentant heart.
David wronged many with his actions, but the most significant was God. David knew this. The words here are addressed to God alone. This doesn’t mean it isn’t important to ask those we hurt to forgive us. It simply shows us that it is a priority that we repent and ask God for forgiveness. Sometimes it is easy to gloss over our relationship with God.
For instance, think about the last time you got into an argument with your spouse? Did you stop and think about the damage done within your relationship with God? Yes, it’s true that your spouse was the primary person affected by your sin, however, it is God who holds us accountable to His commandments in the first place.
There is no doubt David felt guilty about murder, adultery, and lying. It is my opinion that many times the guilt of any sin doesn’t necessarily diminish after we have apologized and asked for forgiveness from other people involved. Why? Because the actions are already done. We can’t take them back. Though we’ve made things right with the other individuals, the consequences remain. This is why David is so emotional in Psalm 51. He knows that the only one who can bring mercy and peace to his soul is his Father in Heaven. He wants to do everything he can to make things right again.
So, the application is fairly simple. We cannot just say we are sorry to others when we intentionally sin against them. We have a Father who grieves over our choices and longs to restore us. Furthermore, if we are really sorry (and really want to grow), then falling down in repentance to Jesus should be the very first thing we do. The encouragement we can take away is that David was human and struggled just like we do. But, he had his priorities straight. He owned up to his sin issues and was honest and genuine in his cries to the Lord.