February 22, 2026

You can find the order of worship and songs here.

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In Psalm 51 we see David dealing with the trauma of sin. Yes, the word "trauma" may be overused these days. People label something as traumatic what people of the past generations simply called uncomfortable. But in David's case, the word fits.

Psalm 51 is David's confession following his sins of adultery and murder. David's sins traumatized him. David discovered through this experience that he is a far worse sinner than he had ever realized. David had mistaken God's favor for his achievement. David's successes, spiritual and otherwise, were God's gifts, not something he possessed naturally. It shattered David to discover the deep and hidden darkness in his heart.

But the evil of sin, as we know, is not that it shatters our self-image and self-esteem. The evil of sin is that it is an affront to God. The various words that David uses in Psalm 51 make that clear: "blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" Together these words correctly categorize David's failings as being inwardly twisted, as missing the mark, and as violating God's holiness. That is why Psalm 51 is not a song of regret, but a prayer of repentance.

And where there is repentance, there is grace. C.S. Lewis, in one of his poems, wrote, "The pains you've given me are more precious than all other gifts." Perhaps Lewis learned this from Psalm 51. For when David learned to see his sin as an affront to God — "Against you, you only, have I sinned" — he also came to see God as the one who cleanses and saves. God taught David a gracious lesson through his failures. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

We also struggle with sin. And we may also, through faith and repentance, find that God cleanses and forgives. Indeed, do not appear before God without a gift this Sunday. And "a broken and contrite heart" is the gift you will bring. God will not despise it.

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Growth Resources

In February we are reading "Abolition of Man" by C.S. Lewis. See also 12 for 26.

This week's Shorter Catechism lesson: Qs. 85–87.

Announcements

2/22 (Lord's Day): Sunday school lesson on Union with Christ.

2/25 (Wednesday 6 PM): 1 Timothy Zoom Study. Meeting ID: 884 9003 6844. Passcode: 5sUpUi

3/1 (Lord’s Day): Chaplain Matthew Heathman will share with us his work as a Navy chaplain during the Sunday school hour.

Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).

This Week's Prayers

Please email your prayer request by Thursday to include it in the list for the upcoming week — info@gracefallbrook.church