Thanks for...

Psalm 51 seems to be written by King David.  See he had been found out.  He had committed a heinous crime and the prophet Nathan was sent by God to let him know that God knew.  See, you can't hide anything from God.  Verses three and four show that David got the message.

 ³ For I know my transgressions,
   and my sin is always before me.
⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned
   and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
   and justified when you judge.

David had lusted after Bathsheeba, who was someone else's wife.  The whole plot could be from some made for tv mini-series. This story, though, comes right out of the Bible.  Who said the Bible was clean fun?  It's full of instances of real life and mayhem.  But the one thing that always happens is that God's righteousness comes through in the end.  David, in this case, asks for forgiveness and asks God to take away his sins.

1Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
   blot out my transgressions.
² Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.

It made me think of the hymn, Whiter Than Snow by James Nicholson and William Fischer.  I love that song and I am thankful for the message of it.  I am thankful for Jesus, who gave his life so when God looks at me, he sees me pure and perfect.  Here are the lyrics.

1. Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

2. Lord Jesus, look down from Your throne in the skies
And help me to make a complete sacrifice.
I give up myself and whatever I know
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

3. Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;
I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet.
By faith, for my cleansing I see Your blood flow
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

4. Lord Jesus, before You I patiently wait;
Come now and within me a new heart create.
To those who have sought You, You never said "No"
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Chorus:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.