Psalm 51 is a plea for mercy and forgiveness written by David after his affair with Bathsheba. David’s sin escalated from adultery to murder. And as David focused on his own pleasures, he spiraled away from God.

Finally he prayed, “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice.” (Psalm 51:7-8, NLT). In the wreckage of his own plans, David remembered the joy only God can give.

Brokenness is often every bit as painful as it sounds. But remember that God is a good God and wants good things for you. If sometimes he needs to allow you to be broken, you can be sure that he intends to build something far more beautiful from the wreckage then you could imagine

Jesus . . . said to him, ’One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor . . . and come, take up the cross, and follow Me’
—Mark 10:21

“One thing you lack” . . . From Jesus Christ’s perspective, oneness with Him, with nothing between, is the only good thing.

“. . . sell whatever you have . . . .”

Have you ever had to carry a bag of books or a backpack for a long distance?
Doesn’t it feel good to finally put that bundle down?

Many people carry around a burden everyday that could easily be released: the burden of sin.
Sin isn’t just open rebellion against God; it’s also trying to live by your own wisdom, your own strength, your own effort.

It doesn’t take too long to figure out this world is more than any one person can handle.
But God has been saying for a long time: “Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.” (Psalm 81:6, NLT)