Thursday, November 19, 2015

Psalm 32: Forgiveness Brings True Joy

The author of Psalm 32 is David.  This psalm shows us that forgiveness brings true joy. Only when we ask God to forgive our sins will he give us real happiness and relief from guilt.
 
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2-Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit."
~ Psalm 32:1-2
 
God wants to forgive sinners. Forgiveness has always been part of his loving nature. He announced this to Moses in Exodus 34:7; he revealed it to David; and he dramatically showed the world through Jesus Christ. Verses 1 and 2  convey several aspects of God's forgiveness: it forgives transgression, it covers sin, and it doesn't count our sins against us. Paul quoted these verses in Romans 4:7,8 and showed that we can have this joyous experience of forgiveness through faith in Christ.
 
Romans 4:7,8 - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8-Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
 
"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
 
What is confession? To confess our sin is to agree with God, acknowledge that he is right to declare what we have done as sinful, and that we are wrong to desire or to do it. It is to affirm our intention of abandoning that sin in order to follow him more faithfully.
 
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." ~ Psalm 32:8
 
God longs to guide us with love and wisdom rather than punishment. He offers to teach us the best way to go. Accept the advice written  in God's Word and don't let your stubbornness keep you from obeying God.

1 comment:

  1. Psalm 32 / New International Version

    1 Blessed is the one
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
    2 Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

    3 When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
    4 For day and night
    your hand was heavy upon me;
    my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.

    5 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.

    6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
    while you may be found;
    surely when the mighty waters rise
    they will not reach him.
    7 You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

    8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you and watch over you.
    9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
    but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you.
    10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the man who trusts in him.

    11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

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