Psalms 51:9-12 - Homilies By C. Short

Renewal and elevation.

True repentance is not satisfied with the knowledge of forgiveness, but goes on to seek the renewal and elevation of the nature that has sinned and fallen into disorder.

I. HE SEEKS A NEW REVELATION OF THE FORCE OR FAVOUR OF GOD . ( Psalms 51:9 .) "Do not look upon me in anger for my sins, so as to bring me into judgment, but lift upon me the glory of thy face, or presence." And to this end—

II. " CREATE IN ME A PURE HEART , THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO SEE THEE ." ( Psalms 51:10 ; Matthew 5:8 .)

III. " GIVE ME AGAIN A STEADFAST SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE TO THY WILL ." ( Psalms 51:10 .) A strong spirit not easily swayed to and fro through its own weakness, or by the gusts of temptations, but persistent in right aims and endeavours.

IV. HE PRAYS THAT HE MAY NEVER LOSE THE SUCCOUR AND STRENGTH OF THE DIVINE SPIRIT . ( Psalms 51:11 .) Such a prayer on the lips of David could not mean all that it means now to a Christian. Christ has revealed the work and the necessity of the Divine Strengthener (the Paraclete) far more clearly than it was known to David. As the Teacher of the truth and the Helper of our weakness.

V. HE PRAYS FOR THAT SENSE OF JOY WHICH IS UNITED WITH THE SPIRIT OF A FREE OBEDIENCE . ( Psalms 51:12 .) Our spirits attain to their greatest freedom when under the influence of the Spirit of God—like water heated by fire.—S.