Psalm 32 is a short powerful psalm that takes us to the brink of decision. It allows us to look across the gap and look at our current place. I believe David has been on both sides of the gap. To me, it speaks to both those that have received the forgiveness of Christ and to those yet to make that decision. David describes the contrast. He begins, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered“. This word ‘blessed’ involves an inner peace, the joy of real contentment. David adds, “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him“. According to Hebrews 9:22, “without the shedding of the blood there is no forgiveness“. That means forgiveness is not something small. God does not ignore our sin, but rather the debt of our sin was paid in full on the Cross of Christ. The work was fully completed in the death and resurrection of the sinless Savior. Salvation is a gift that we cannot earn or possibly pay for on our own. Our only requirement is to believe. “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). But David also described the alternative to this place of unity with God. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long“. Many people resist the call of God; they seem to fight against all the He desires for them. Perhaps like me, they feared what they would have to give up to have a relationship with God. But David says that lifestyle is exhausting, “my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer“. Are you tired of resisting God’s leading?
David explains his point of transition. “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.” Please notice this confession is to God, not man. God never holds our failures up to taunt us. It is Satan that uses our transgressions as a tool to keep us from our loving Father. It is interesting but sin is kept hidden. So what is keeping you from allowing God to be Lord of your whole life? David adds a wonderful description. Now after having his sin covered, he tells God, “You are my hiding place“. And his heart is filled with a new song, “surround me with songs of deliverance“. What kinds of songs surround you?
Then David shares the words that God spoke to him, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you“. God speaks to those that are too stubborn to listen, “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit… Many are the woes of the wicked“. Frequently when we do stupid things, we must deal with the consequences. This is not God’s punishment, but the result of bad decisions. Jonah 4:2 explains of God, “gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love“. The psalm concludes with a wonderful promise, “Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him“. David cannot help but encourage us to join him, “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad… sing, all you who are upright in heart!“. If you do not have real contentment in your life, perhaps today is the day to make that decision.