Psalm 51:15-17

Psalm 51:15-17

15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is[a] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.

Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Poor in spirit are those whose spirit is broken and whose hearts are contrite. To them is given the kingdom of God.

I know that many times in my life have I wondered how God could ever love such a person as me. Yet that’s the power of God’s grace and love. Nothing that you have done or could ever do could make God love you less or make God love you more. When we come to Him with our broken spirits and contrite hearts, God’s love embraces us wholly.

As a father, I’m often reminded of what this looks like in real life. It comes after those knock-down drag-out fights with my kids where they have absolutely lost their minds over something and finally, after hours of crying they come to me and my wife. Hearts contrite, spirits broken. And we simply embrace them.

I love verse 15, “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.” Every time we find ourselves in the Father’s embrace of grace and forgiveness is a chance to give Him praise. Every time we sin and he forgives, is another chance to praise Him. What a beautiful picture of worship. We come broken, He forgives, we praise! Take a moment today and give Him praise as He once again invites you into His forgiveness and grace.