Broken Bones: Dealing with Remorse

The story of David's bones is a story of his struggle with sin, in others against him, but, foremost within himself. In Psalm 51 broken bones became a metaphor for a soul in anguish, a despondency that weakened resolve and drained any enthusiasm for life. Broken bones do not dance, which means, broken bones do not celebrate in song and music the Lord's grand victories among His people. Nothing could be more descriptive of David's heart and spirit after Nathan-not literally but in every way more real-entered the bed chamber and threw back the sheets, uncovering David's indefensible act of depravity. David knew Nathan was God-sent. After this David didn't find Temple worship the same as before. In his misery, sacrifices no longer seemed the gifts of love they were intended to be-not until he sought and received God's mercy, . That's the story of Psalm 51. Consider this work to be an exposition on this Psalm, but it is more. It is the record also of my struggle with sin, my personal agony when temptation appeared more monstrous than it really was. Psalm 51 should speak to us all. Psalm 51 is alive with the tears, the agony, and the longing of a servant's heart to put to rest the turbulence of a tortured memory. ..And God? He still speaks, "Peace, be still" to the waves.