Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalm 51:1-6

Psalm 51 is a powerful prayer from a man wrecked by sin. King David had done the unthinkable and left a trail of wounds in his life and the lives of those around him. Aware of his need for forgiveness and course correction, he demonstrates why he's called a man after God's heart. David models an openness to God that allows truth to reveal his wrongdoing and simultaneously teach him wisdom. Failure and pain become great teachers when a man is vulnerable before God.

Benjamin Franklin said it this way, "Those things that hurt, instruct." A man who allows the pain of sin to drive him toward real repentance learns wisdom deep within. Therefore becoming wise requires that we reckon with pain the same way that David did. Truthfully coming to grips and taking inventory of your actions before God will build a better a man. Do not be afraid to address your failures. Use them as a tool to shape your character rather than shame to stunt your spiritual growth.

DO THIS TODAY: Let failure become a teacher by being honest with God.