Many years ago, 100 high-pressured deodorant guns were installed at a large city dump, one of several hundred smelly landfill sites that had become the focus of growing public concern. To saturate the mounds of putrefying garbage, the cannons sprayed several gallons of fragrance per minute at a distance of more than 160 feet. But no matter how much deodorant was sprayed, the fragrance couldn’t completely mask the problem. 

Similar to the use of deodorant guns, King David attempted to mask the odor of his sin. After his adultery with Bathsheba and complicity in the murder of her husband (2 Samuel 11:1–17), David used the “deodorants” of silence, deceit, and outward piety to cover up his actions. But unable to withstand the guilt of his sin and the sting of God’s conviction, David eventually cried out to Him for mercy and spiritual cleansing. He prayed, “Have mercy on me, O God. . . . Against you, you only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:1, 4). 

David uncovered his sins before God, and acknowledged, confessed, and repented of them (32:5). God forgave the king’s disobedience and restored his joy (vv. 5, 7; 51:12–15). David, like a shaken bottle of carbonated water, burst forth with praise to teach others about God’s forgiveness. Celebration followed the king’s confession and repentance.

When we sin, it’s futile to try and cover it up. The odor of our disobedience can’t be contained. But when we confess our sin and repent of it, He’ll remove it and leave the fragrance of His grace and forgiveness. He’ll restore the joy of our salvation, allowing us to once again celebrate in His presence.  

Marvin Williams, Our Daily Bread author

Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.

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