Psalm 32 is a
wonderfully encouraging and uplifting testimony of how a life is transformed for the better after sin is confessed and forgiven, as well as a caution to the
unbeliever who continues to live in sin.
The Psalmist David opens his account on an exuberant note – he
is unrestrained in his expressions of joy and delight at being a pardoned
sinner – O, what joy for those whose
disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for
those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are
lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:1-2
David then describes how miserable he was while he lived under the
guilt of unconfessed sin and the exhilaration he feels now that he has confessed
his sin to God and received His forgiveness –
When I refused to
confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night
your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in
the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to
hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And
you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Children of God share David’s experience
– we know the peace that came with the assurance of our forgiven sins through Christ Jesus. Now we want the people in our lives to know that same joy and freedom and David also feels the same. In these verses he encourages others to pray to be removed from the floodwaters of God’s judgement and placed
instead under God’s merciful protection – Therefore,
let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not
drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my
hiding place; you protect me from
trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
Our acceptance of God’s grace placed us automatically under
His protection and gave the Father control over our lives to do for us exactly
what He now promises to do for David – “I will guide you along the best pathway
for your life. I will advise you and
watch over you… Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit
and bridle to keep it under control.”
David ends Psalm 32 with a word of caution to unbelievers
and encouragement and consolation for the children of God – Many
sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who
trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who
obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Psalm 32 speaks honestly to both positions. Enjoy!
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, most Wise God and
Counselor, God of our salvation. We thank you Father that you are also a God of second chances; you hear our cries of
repentance and confessions and forgive us. Like the Psalmist David we rejoice
in and because of your grace and your mercy! We trust you to guide us
along the best pathways of life, advise us as we make life decisions and watch over us
daily. We believe the plans you have for us are for our welfare and not for
calamity, to give us a future and a hope. Father we offer a special prayer for
the people within our sphere of influence that are still living in the darkness of
sin and we ask for mercy on their behalf; give us patience in counseling and direct us in how best to reach them. Help us to continue to show love, since it
was your love that drew us to repentance, remind us that no one is beyond your reach. Thank
you that you lead us always in truth, teach us your way. To you Abba Father belong all dominion and power for
ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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