At some point or another, all of us struggle with guilt.

We do something wrong, we act poorly toward another person, we disobey one (or many) of God’s commands, we make a bad decision that results in many negative consequences.

And that weighs heavily on us. Have you ever fell into the water with all your clothes on and then tried to walk around on dry land afterwards? You can do it; but you feel gross and dense.

That experience is like the guilt we carry around in our souls.

We know we should pray to God to ask for forgiveness. But other than “I’m sorry,” we’re not sure what to say.

If that’s you, you should look at Psalm 51. Historically, it’s one of the seven “penitential” (or confession) psalms. It’s David’s prayer of confession after he committed adultery.

He asks for mercy, and that God cleanse and correct him. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (v.10). He also asks that God not take his presence away from him.

So read through Psalm 51 and make those prayers your own. Add in specific details about your own situation.

Heaviness of spirit doesn’t have to be your modus operandi.

Make David’s prayer your own, and ask God to renew you: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

By Matthew Ruttan

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–Bible quotes are from the NIV.