The back window of our van often sports a scrawled, “Wash Me!” My neighbor’s car, however, always shines. Even before sunrise, he kneels by his car with a bucket of soapy water, carefully sponging away dust and grime. A dirty vehicle can be cleaned with a modest amount of water and elbow grease. But what about a dirty conscience?

King David learned that concealing his guilt was about as effective as hiding a dead body under his bed. Out of sight was not out of mind. The reek of his sins awoke him at night and clung to him by day, sapping his strength. Finally, he dragged his sins into daylight and laid them before the Lord. 

“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

Thus unburdened, David cried out: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalm 32:1).

When David tried to cover up his sins, an elephant sat on his heart. When God covered his sins, David sang songs of joy. 

When Satan scrawls accusing messages in the grime of your guilt, cry out, “Wash me, Savior!” And then remember your baptism. That water, connected to God’s name and Jesus’ blood, covers you. Cleanses you. Saves you. Sends you out new and shining into the world to do his will. Blessed are you through Baptism!