I love that David was honest with God. He knew his own weaknesses and he knew that God was his help. He didn’t try to hide the fact that he messed up and confessed his sin. And when he did, he could stand before God with a righteous soul. He was bold enough to ask God, Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. (Psalm 26:2)

Most of us would rather not ask God to do that. We’re afraid of what He would find, things we know are lurking in the places we try to hide in our hearts. How silly! God sees everything. He knows us better than we know ourselves. We’re afraid that God will judge us if we open up in real honesty. But we’re missing the point.

David understood that to confess his sins made him clean before God. He didn’t want anything to block that relationship. It’s for our benefit to have God shine a light on the dark places of our heart so we can ask forgiveness and be cleansed. There’s freedom there and peace of mind. God wants that for us, for our own good.