Psalm 32
Sunday, 8 May 2022
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! -Psalm 32:1-2
Psalm 32 is a Psalm of thanksgiving, where King David out of the deep anguish of his soul confesses his sin to God and proclaims the joy of forgiveness. So great is the joy he experiences at the forgiveness of his sin, that he instructs every reader on how we can experience God’s forgiveness and joy in our own lives. In Romans 4:7-8, the Apostle Paul quotes this scripture to reveal the joyful experience of forgiveness through Christ Jesus for all who believe. Let us understand how this Psalm applies to our personal lives.
Sin’s decay (Vs 3-4) : David explains his emotional trauma and spiritual anguish when he kept silent and covered up his sin. The first sin in the Garden of Eden led to the fall of all mankind. We are all born with a natural inclination to sin and rebellion, leading to separation from God. Just like David, when we willfully hide our sin, our guilty conscience makes us miserable. The greatest sorrow of un-confessed sin is that we are unable to experience God’s grace and liberty through Christ. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. (Proverbs 28:13)
Confession of sin (Vs 5-6): When David came to the realization that only by confessing His sin can he be forgiven and overcome the guilt-ridden conscience, he acknowledged and confessed his sin before the Lord. Similarly, we need to admit before God our sinful desires and actions and forsake them. Our confession should come from a contrite heart that understands the severity of our sin, the consequences thereof and a complete repentance and turning away from it.
Blessing in forgiveness (Vs 7-8): In his infinite love for us, God provided a way for sinful man to be made right with God, through the sacrifice of His beloved Son Jesus Christ. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) He promises that he will blot out our transgressions and remember our sin no more (Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12). It is not by our deeds, but by His grace that we are forgiven. Comprehending His divine mercy that chooses to forgive us, let us draw near to Him in repentance. Not only will He forgive your sins, but He will preserve you!
Trusting in God (Vs 8-11): God does not just forgive our sins but He promises to guide us in right living:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go”(V.8) He will counsel and teach us of the godly path that a righteous person is to follow. Further, He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us in spiritual maturity and wisdom to live a sanctified life.
“I will counsel you with My eye upon you” If we are diligent in following Him, He will guide us. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness. (Psalm 33:18) Let us not be stubborn like the mule, but have a humble and teachable spirit that yields to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
“…mercy shall surround him” For those who trust in the Lord, life in this world may not be trouble-free, but in the midst of every affliction, His mercy and protection will lead us triumphantly. (Psalm 34:19)
Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is removed by the shed blood of the Lamb of God, whose iniquity the Lord does not keep account of. Oh what joy and peace rules the heart of the forgiven and redeemed of the Lord!
Quote for the Day: “After grief for sin there should be joy for forgiveness.” ~ A.W. Pink