The second part of Psalm 41 is about David pleading for God's mercy because of his sins. He prayed, "Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you (Psalm 41:4)." God knew David's heart. Although David was not perfect, he loved God, and this was the reason God chose him to be the king who would replace King Saul. When God disqualified Saul to be the King of Israel because of his disobedience, He sent Samuel to tell Saul that God already appointed David as the next King of Israel because David's heart was after God's own heart. 1 Samuel 13:14 says, "But now your kingdom (Saul) must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart (David). The Lord has already appointed him (David) to be the leader of his people, because you (Saul) have not kept the Lord's command." One of the lessons that we can learn from David is that although he loved God, it did not mean that he was perfect. David committed many sins and affected many people. However, God preserved David because of His mercy. In Psalm 41, David was pleading for God's mercy because of his sin.
In my situation, I know deep in my heart I love God. I chose to become a missionary because of my love for Him. However, I admit that I am not perfect. I have committed many sins, and quite frankly, I am not qualified to serve Him in ministry. But the reason I am still serving God in ministry is because of His love, grace, and mercy towards me. He never let me go despite all the failures that I have done. Every time I fail him with my wrong decisions, He is always there to forgive and restore me to the right path. David experienced the same thing. God is not looking for perfect people to follow and serve Him. He is looking for people who are broken and imperfect people that He can change with His love, grace, and mercy. All of us are saved by our Lord Jesus, not because of what we have done, but because we believe in Him as our Lord and Savior.
Let us not give up on our faith when we fail or sin against God. Let us not beat ourselves with shame. When we sin, let us run to God for forgiveness and restoration because He is merciful and gracious to us.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Is God looking for perfect people to save? What should I do when I sin against God? Do I believe in my heart that God is always at work to change my heart?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that I can always run to you when I sin because you are a loving, gracious, and merciful God. You are always there to forgive and restore me when I fail and sin against you. Thank you that you are changing me to be the person that you want me to be. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.