No load is heavier than the burden of backsliding. David had learned that lesson the hard way. After sin, the chastening of God had fallen upon him and he was tormented with conviction of his wrong doing.

At first he decided to ignore God’s voice that called him to confession of sin. Listen to his description of that awful time: “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer” (Psalm 32:3,4).

Finally, tired of his backsliding, he made the right decision: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of confession of sin. See his openness with God. Nothing is hidden. He calls for cleansing, forgiveness, a right attitude, and the joy of salvation. He fully intends to become an effective witness even though he has failed so badly: “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:13).

How good it feels to be right with God! There is rejoicing in heaven over the return of the prodigal, but the prodigal also rejoices. Home is a wonderful word. And the Christian who returns to His Lord after backsliding has come home.

Come home. And rejoice!