Psalm 51:1-3
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
David, the author of this passage, had just slept with a woman who wasn’t his wife, got her pregnant, and arranged for the murder of her husband. When his friend confronted him about his sins, he experienced godly conviction. Although he could have become angry, defensive, or tried to pin the blame on someone or something else, David responded to his conviction by crying out to God for mercy.
Like David, we too experience shame, guilt, and fear when convicted about our sins. But also like David, when we cry out to God for mercy, He responds to our prayer!
Today, identify ways you try to guard yourself from conviction. Ask God to open your heart to hearing His voice and responding to His conviction.
As you meet with your group this week, share an area where God is convicting you and how you plan to respond.