Keep Me from Hidden Faults

Psalms 19:9b,11-13 NLT
“The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.”

This passage has been a guide to me. I have found that good enough is not good enough. I want to stay pure for God, in thought, in words and deeds, when I’m around people and when I’m alone. It’s called integrity, being in right standing with God whether I’m alone or in a crowd.

What is the secret to attaining integrity in thought, words and deeds? By continously staying in God’s Word and allow His Words to sink in, wash over and cleans.

Notice David says; “Cleanse me from these hidden faults.” Hidden faults are sins committed in ignorance or without knowledge. It is when we say or do something that is not in the characterstics of God’s Spirit in us, but the flesh becomes too strong.

I have also know Christians that say and do as they feel and they use the excuse that God gives them the rights and ability to hurt someone with our words or actions. My God doesn’t do that, what gives Christians the right to act out of the character of God?

David continues, “Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.” Deliberate sins are “presumptuous sins” in this case. Presumptuous sins are committed with the eyes wide open. Presumptuous sins is failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

When David committed adultery with Bathsheba he was fully aware of what he was doing. Whether our sins are hidden faults that we claim we had no idea they were there, or our sins are sins that capture the flesh and that over comes the will. The light of God’s word will bring them out all sins and can make us pure.

Prayer:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” Psalms 51:1-2 ESV