Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 32
32:1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
32:2 Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
32:3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
32:4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
32:6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
32:7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
32:9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
32:10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
32:11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Reflections
As Christians, when we fall into sin, our response should be to repent and ask for forgiveness. This Psalm depicts one who finds joy in accepting the message of the Gospel and making it real in their lives. Sin is what ultimately robs us from experiencing true joy and peace in Christ. It gives us temporary pleasures and causes us to forget what the true meaning of happiness is that can only be attained through a relationship with Christ.
This Psalmist is a picture of someone who is recognizing that their sin brings them no pleasure. It is a confession that their sin brought nothing but pain and darkness. In verses 3-4 we see the physical affects that sin can have on someone. In this case there was a physical exhaustion and inability to sleep and find rest.
Hope was finally found when the Psalmist confessed the sin that was preventing him from finding joy in Christ. Do not take your time in coming to Christ when falling in to sin. Our hearts should break at the thought of allowing any type of sin to hinder us from growing more in our relationship with Christ. Thankfully by God’s Grace, when we confess our sins, He is quick to forgive and restore us back to Him.