As we began to read the Psalms, I reminded us not to miss the inspired introductions, which are actually part of the text. There’s a lesson to be learned from the successive introductions in Psalms 51 and 52.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David When Nathan the Prophet Went to Him, After He Had Gone in to Bathsheba.

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51.0 – 2, NKJV)

To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of David When Doeg the Edomite Went and Told Saul, and Said to Him, “David Has Gone to the House of Ahimelech.”

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah (Psalm 52.0 -3, NKJV)

A simple lesson:

David prays or “contemplates” in every circumstance.

In Psalm 51, David is confronted with his sin, and his response is to pray – confess. In Psalm 52, David is betrayed by Doeg the Edomite, and his response is to pray and contemplate the existence of evil in men.

…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… (Ephesians 6.18, NKJV)