The background for this psalm is found in the 11th & 12th chapters of 2 Samuel. David had an affair with the wife (Bathsheba) of one of his top soldiers (Uriah) and had Uriah placed in a dangerous position while attacking an enemy city. After Uriah was killed in battle, David took Bathsheba as his wife, but, when their child was born, the Prophet Nathan confronted David about his secret sin and explained the child would die.
David may have uttered these words during the time his child was still alive hoping that God would change His mind. “Against You, and You alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in Your sight. . .For I was born a sinner – yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. . .Restore to me the Joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You. . .The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” But God did not change His mind about the child’s death. And because David knew that God had forgiven him, when he heard the child had dies, he got up, bathed, and ate food. When questioned about his change in attitude, he said, I cannot bring the child back from the dead, but I will go to see him.
These are some of the many blessings Christians receive. When we sin, no matter the depths we have gone to, we can pray with a repentant heart and God will restore our joy and forgiveness. John tells us, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate Who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One Who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (NLT). We also know that because of the sacrifice of Christ, we will see our loved ones again.