Divine JoyAbiding in the Grace of Gods Joyful Embrace Week Seven Study Guide Restore to me the joy of your

salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:12 NIV) A human heart that is truly repentant is one that can be restored and revived by God. This is the essence of Psalm 51. Crucial to abiding in the grace of Gods joyful embrace is to recognize ones own areas of sin and seek Gods forgiveness. Honest and open communication with God about our struggles with sin and human frailty is essential to ensure a relationship with God (and others) that is growing and flourishing. Doing so takes time. It requires accountability, honesty, and transparencyall of which are modeled for us in this heart wrenching plea for mercy and forgiveness written by David. Reflection Questions 1. Commentators concur that this psalm was written by David after being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding Davids adultery with Bathsheba. In preparation for studying this portion of scripture read 2 Samuel Chapters 11 and 12 after reading through Psalm 51. What does David admit to Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:13 after listening to his rebuke? Write this verse in the space provided below. Also include the consequence or ripple effect of Davids sin, also found in verse 13. According to the Life Application Study Bible, verse 13 indicates that David confessed and repented of his sin, but Gods judgment was that his child would die. The consequences of Davids sin were irreversible. Sometimes an apology isnt enough. When God forgives us and restores our relationship with him, he doesnt eliminate all the consequences of our wrongdoing. We may be tempted to say, If this is wrong, I can always apologize to God, but we must remember that we may set into motion events with irreversible consequences.

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2. Before walking further through Psalm 51, it is important to keep Gods omnipotence and omnipresence in perspective. Nothing we say, think or do is hidden from Him. This is clearly stated in another psalm written by David. Look up Psalm 139. How do verses 1-12 underscore the truth that we hide nothing from God? Jot down below the verses that jump out at you regarding our all powerful God. What do you find significant about the verses you chose?

3. Returning now to Psalm 51, reflect on verses 1-6, which for the purposes of this study guide represent Davids confession before God. Interestingly, in this particular psalm, David uses one name for the Lord throughout his dialogue (in both the NIV and NASB translations). According to our Week Four Study Guide, what does God (Elohim) mean in this context? Please write the meaning of this Hebrew word below.

4. Beginning at verses 1 and 2, we see Davids total dependence on God for the forgiveness of his sinful actions. Upon which of Gods characteristics is David relying as he seeks mercy? (Filling in the blanks below will help you find the answers.) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your _________ __________; according to your ____________ _______________ blot out my transgressions. (v. 1 NIV)

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In the NASB translation of verse 1, the words lovingkindness and compassion are used. In the original language this means Gods goodness, faithfulness and mercy. To drill this down even further, the word mercy means compassion or forbearance shown to an offender. Camping out on a psalm that focuses on the reality of sin in our lives can be challenging. Our flesh nature might even react to this spiritual discipline negatively as we enter into the study of this portion of scripture. However, it is important to keep in mind that no one is exempt (this side of heaven anyway) from wrestling with thoughts or behavior which are contrary to the glory or character of God which is the textbook definition of sin. How does Romans 3:23 affirm for us that no one is by their very nature perfect before an all holy God? Please write your answer below. Be assured that you are not alone in personally applying the plea of this Psalm to your own life!

5. Verses 2-6 are an intimate confession between David and his God. While writing the words of this song, David is fully aware of his rebellious actions. As we apply this portion of the psalm to our own heart, we too may fully know a sinful behavior, thought or action that is negatively affecting our relationship with God. Take time before our next class to sit with the Lord quietly and take inventory of your own heart before Him. (You will not be asked to share this with your small group.) To get started, look up Psalm 139:23-24 and write it below. This is an ideal springboard verse to allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and confirm areas of transgression or perhaps identify something of which you were not consciously aware. Being cleansed from our sin restores our relationship with God and revives our hearts and our walk with Him.

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Please note: Applying the words of Psalm 51 to your own life is applicable if, like David, you currently have a relationship with God. According to New Testament application, this means the relationship with God the Father is established through His Son Jesus Christ. (See John 14:6) If you havent taken the step of eternal salvation through Christ, this is your opportunity to do so. Look up Romans 10:9-13. These verses illustrate both confessing and professing. It is essential one first recognizes the sin of not following God and placing Him first in his or her life. Secondly, one asks forgiveness for this sinful pattern and professes faith in Jesus Christ as the only Son of God and only Way to God the Father. It is through this act of faith in believing and receiving Jesus as Savior that one is considered righteous before God. (See Romans 3:22-23) Making this your heartfelt cry means you are truly born again Jesus paid the penalty for your sin at the cross and you have been redeemed, restored and renewed in and through Him. *If you have taken this step of faith for the first time, please share this with your small group leader (you do not have to share it with the entire small group). We would love to have an opportunity to pray with you regarding your decision and talk with you about growing in your relationship with Jesus.

6. In verses 7-12 of Psalm 51, we read of David asking the Lord to restore him into a right relationship with his heavenly Father. The sequence of restoration outlined in these verses following the act of repentance illustrated through verses 1-6 is crucial. We cant skip over the tough stuff. We might be tempted to ask for cleansing without stopping to identify from what exactly it is we need to be cleaned! In other words, dont skirt the dirt. At verse 7, David references hyssop. Look up Exodus 12:21-23 and describe below how this plant was used by the Israelites who followed the command of Moses.

Now read Exodus 12:24-28. According to these verses, what is the legacy that is to be passed on to future generations? In other words, what are they to tell their children about the significance of the ceremony they are to observe when they enter the Promised Land? (Hint: See verse 27!)

Remember that the Old Testament conceals what the New Testament reveals! Look up John Chapter 1, verses 29 and 35. How does John the Baptist characterize Jesus in these two verses?

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7. Verses 8 and 9 of Psalm 51 echo Davids request of restoration with his God. Companion verses to this portion of scripture are seen in Psalm 32, also written by David. According to Psalm 32:3-5, what is the consequence of not acknowledging ones sin? By contrast, what is the benefit to confessing ones transgressions according to Psalm 32:1-2?

Please note: the translation of the Hebrew word used for blessed in verse 1 means happiness! The result of knowing we have confessed our sin and have been forgiven is happiness and joyfulness! Amen to that!

8. Yes, this particular study guide lesson has required some good old-fashioned treasure hunting throughout scripture. You arent done yet either! Turn forward a few pages to Psalm 103 (by now the author of this song will not be unfamiliar to you!). How do verses 8-13 of this Psalm affirm for us that the Lord God blots out all of our iniquity? (This is a request that David makes in Psalm 51:9.) How does this make you feel?

One final verse that further affirms the permanence of Gods forgiveness is underscored for us in 1 John 1:9. Write this verse below and lean into itby that I mean receive it and believe it as Gods Word to you this day!

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9. Psalm 51:10-12 are familiar to many of us through the words of contemporary worship songs. These three verses provide an excellent application for prayer. Like David, we can ask the Lord to purify our hearts and renew our spirit within us. According to one commentator, the phrase willing spirit in verse 12, refers to Davids own spiritA willing spirit is one that is not in bondage but is free and yielded to the Spirit of God, who ministers to and through our own spirit. An important distinction to make between Davids time and our New Testament experience, is that of the Holy Spirit mentioned in verse 11. Look up 1 Samuel 16:13. What occurred at this verse? Please write your answer below.

According to one commentator regarding Psalm 51:11, David didnt want to lose the blessing and help of the Spirit as had happened to SaulToday the Spirit abides with believers forever. It is important to note, however, that the effectiveness and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is in direct proportion to our purity! In the words of one preacher, Its not a question of how much of the Holy Spirit do you haveit is a matter of how much of you does the Holy Spirit have! Quietly reflect on this distinction. Are there areas of your life youve not surrendered to God? Bits that arent under the influence of His Spirit? Chrisitian author Francis Chan writes in his book, Forgotten God, the following reminder: The Holy Spirit will notcannotlead you into sin. If the Holy Spirit is in you, as a believer, then when you sin you are not listening to the Spirits leading. Remember, not only does your spiritual perspective affect your directive, it also influences whether or not you are effective!

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10. As we continue to travel through the words of this song, we find ourselves at verse 12, which directs our attentions once again back to the theme of our eight-week study: Divine Joy. Please fill in the blanks below: _______________ to ____ the _____ of _____ salvation and grant ___ a willing spirit to sustain me. (v. 12 NIV) The Hebrew word for restore at verse 12 means to renew or repair I happen to like the word repair which illustrates to me something that is fixed that had once been broken. That is exactly what happens with our relationship with God when we seek His forgiveness. Write below what the words restore and repair mean to you in regard to what youve learned about Psalm 51. If you have taken the opportunity to complete question number 5 of our study guide, jot below any new perceptions you may have about your restored and renewed relationship with God. What differences have you noticed? How has it influenced your joy?

Dont overlook Davids request in verse 12he is specifically asking that God restore to him the joy of His salvation. In other words, David isnt merely asking God to make him feel happy in the midst of the tragic fallout of his sin. He has asked God to realign his heart, restore his relationship and renew the fullness of joy found only in His presence. (See Psalm 16:11 for a quick refresher!)

11. For the purposes of our study of Psalm 51, verses 13-17 represent the desires of a revived heartone that has been cleansed with hyssop and whiter than snow, solely because of a repentant heart and in response, the unfailing love and compassion of the Lord God. How do the words of Lamentations 3:22-24 echo these characteristics of God?

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12. What does David ask God to do in verses 14 and 15 regarding his desire to worship? How is this request evidence of true humility on Davids part?

13. It is worth noting that in verses 16 and 17, David is not rejecting the sacrificial system of the Old Testament Law. According to one commentator, the Law did not prescribe sacrifices for murder or adultery, sins which David had committed. For these presumptuous sins, the sinner could only cast himself on the mercy of God. In verse 17, the Hebrew words for broken and contrite convey similar meanings when translated including, crushed to pieces. To be sure, this means more than a flippant Im sorry, I wont do it again. This is a portrait of remorse felt to the very marrow of ones bones. With that in mind, look up Isaiah 57:15 and write it in the space provided below. Meditate thoughtfully on this verse. What a merciful God we serve, amen? If you agree, jot down a note of thanks to Him in the space provided!

14. Psalm 51 concludes at verses 18 and 19. Upon first inspection it might appear they dont quite fit with the previous portion of this psalm. As a matter of fact, some commentators believe that these verses may have later been added to adapt the psalm for corporate worship. With that possibility in mind, lets conclude this weeks study guide by applying verse 18 to our own lives as a prayer to Him. After applying Psalm 51 to our own hearts, may the Lord bless us and our households with His favor, and may He build and strengthen the walls of our families as we trust in Him! Amen!

Sources used in the writing of this study guide include: Blueletter Bible.com; Old Testament Commentary Be Worshipful by Warren W. Wiersbe; The Womans Study Bible New King James Version commentary notes on Psalm 51; Nelsons Three-in-One Bible Reference Companion; and commentary notes from the Life Application Study Bible NIV translation; Forgotten God, by Francis Chan.

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