Psalm 51:8, 9 Broken Bones

Previously (1) we mentioned that David was not "cruising along" oblivious to the damage that his sin was causing to both himself and to those who encountered him.  Verse 8 reinforces that for us.
Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities.

In fact it sounds like he was far from complacent, content, and unaware of his condition. He was joyless and sad. Doesn't sound like the "happy sinner" caricature does it? No "happy go lucky" life for David. "Bones You have broken...." This is not clear if it is one bone, broken several times, or several bones with one or more breaks. Some translations use the word, "crushed."

Have you ever had a broken bone you recognize the pain. Now multiply that by "bones" and "crushed." (HCSB) I have read and heard that "bone pain" is some of the most excruciating pain that we may have to endure. Thankfully, I cannot verify that. I will just accept it at face value. David was in great suffering for his sin.

That is actually a good thing. Hebrews 12:6, 8 tells us why.
...for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives. 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 

Jesus talked about false followers who claimed to do miracles and service "in His Name." They heard the chilling verdict, "I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23) If anyone sins, especially as grievously as David and is "getting away" with it, we have a clear sign indicating that the person is not a child of God. He (or she) is a fake disciple. And the end of such a charade is not pleasant.

David, on the other hand asked for, and received rejoicing where pain had ruled. God did indeed, "hide His face from (David's) sins and blotted out all his iniquities."

Two lessons here: One, if, and sadly when we sin, we have a recourse. Turn and confess. Look back at verse 7. " We can be wise, clean, and white." (2) And now we find even joy, gladness, and rejoicing. Indeed, what a deal.

Our second lesson is more ominous. If we are not suffering "discipline" from God's hand when we harbor unconfessed sin, then the "I never knew you," verdict looms large in our future. The time to turn is now. Don't wait. You only lose guilt and gain glory. Glory.