Like snow in the sun
How David faced his deepest sin
Code orange
I’m sitting in my easy chair, looking outside. Snowflakes are falling steadily. In a short time, the world has turned completely white; a beautiful sight. As the showers pass over the country, there is already at least five centimeters of snow here, and in some places even more. The KNMI has issued a code orange warning for good reason; caution is advised on the roads.
On the one hand, this weather is a gift, of course. It produces beautiful images and there is something serene about seeing nature suddenly covered in a white coat. But that white beauty also has a dark side, of course. Because as I look at that white blanket, I am reminded of a song I have known for a long time.
A classic
It is a classic: Whiter than Snow. At its core, it is about the spiritual cleansing that we as humans can receive. A theme that we rarely think about in these hectic times.
A brief bit of history: this song comes from the well-known collection by Johan de Heer and was originally written in 1872 by James Nicholson. He wrote it in response to Psalm 51, verse 9. “This is the psalm in which David cries out in distress after completely destroying everything he had built up in one fell swoop.” He had sinned deeply with a woman who was not his own and had even caused her husband’s death.
The essence
In biblical terms, we call this “sin.” When David finally realizes through the words of a prophet how badly he has failed—toward God, toward that woman, and toward her murdered husband—he turns to his Creator in his deepest distress. He says, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” That is the essence: when God forgives you, you become as pure as the freshly fallen snow outside my window.
Sin is a loaded word, a word we hardly dare to use anymore. In the modern church and in our current society, it has even virtually disappeared into the background. There are, of course, reasons for this. Nowadays, we prefer to see God as a good friend or a loving Father, rather than someone who holds us accountable for our choices. Moreover, we associate sin with failure, and in a world of social media, we prefer to show only the best version of ourselves.
Churches also sometimes shy away from the word, for fear of being labeled moralistic or gloomy. People prefer to be positive and connecting. And yet… the reality of our failure can place an enormous burden on a person.
A coin
Last night, I saw a clip of Louis Theroux, the well-known documentary maker. He was in Las Vegas, filming people who were throwing thousands of dollars a day into slot machines with the greatest of ease. It reminded me of a quote I once read: “Life is like a coin; you can only spend it once.”
What tragedy lies in those images from Las Vegas. How many people there are not only squandering their money, but also their lives? It does not bring them real happiness or lasting prosperity. And so it is with each of us: when you miss the opportunities God gives you, you are in fact squandering that unique coin.
A clean slate
But what a relief it is when you are cleansed. Just as David begged for mercy, we too can experience it. Then you feel that heavy burden slip from your shoulders. The guilt and shame give way to a clean slate. That gives a deep sense of security. You know: my Creator has accepted me again.
This gives you a wonderful perspective and enormous peace. You no longer have to prove that you can do it all yourself, because it has been accomplished. A path of grace has been cleared for you.
Even though we may shy away from the word “sin,” that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It is actually beneficial to acknowledge where we have gone wrong and where we have failed others. Because only then can we truly receive forgiveness.
Let every snowflake that falls today be a reminder of that promise from Psalm 51: those who come to the Lord for mercy will be whiter than snow.
The question I want to ask you and myself today is simple: How do you spend your coin? Do you choose the fleeting thrill, or do you seek the deep peace of a heart that is truly free?
@wimvanputten