A psalm of David. A penitential psalm. “The sinners prayer.” For occasion see 2 Sam. 12:1-15.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
v.1-2 David confesses his sin to God and asks for mercy so that God might “blot out” his sin.
David had broken 2 commandments (6, 7). See 2 Sam. 11.
v.4-6 David says his sin is ever before him. Only God can cleanse us from our sin. The psalmist desires deliverance from his guilt.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
v.7-12 Petition for forgiveness (and a new heart).
v.12-15 Vow to teach others about God’s forgiveness.
v.16-17 David acknowledges that God desires a broken and contrite heart. (More than just ritual sacrifices — it is the inner relationship with God that matters.)
v.18-19 Final petition for God to bless Zion, then God can delight in right sacrifices.
This psalm is a good place to start if you are experiencing guilt or distance from God. No sin is too great to be forgiven! But while we receive forgiveness, the earthly consequences of the sin are still present. Right conduct in our lives comes from a clean heart. Confess your sin to God — our God is an awesome God and he will have mercy and forgive you (1 John 1:9).