January 21
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PSALM 32 THE FORGIVEN AND HIS HIDING PLACE
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 For 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 dried up as by the heat of summer. 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. 10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! – Psalm 32:1-11
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This psalm is usually classified as a thanksgiving hymn according to the ESV study bible notes. Worshipers thank God for the joy of having their sins forgiven. Since this psalm is about confession and forgiveness, it can also be classified as a penitential psalm.
David declares how fortunate he is for being pardoned for his transgression. The terms transgression, forgiven, sin and iniquity all repeat Exodus 34:6-7, which is a key passage about God’s kindness and mercy to those who receive his covenant. Those who are faithful to confess their sins believe that their God is just and merciful to grant them pardon. In verse 2, David emphasizes the importance of having a spirit who has no deceit.
Verses 3-4 warns those who do not confess and repent of their sins. They become heavy hearted and begin to complain and whine. “Dried up” gives us a picture of being half dead. Isn’t this so true? When we do not acknowledge our sins, we just build up more sins. Verse 5 contrasts what happens when we confess and admit our sins. We are forgiven and cleansed. No more heaviness. We are given a clean slate to be right with God again.
In verse 7, David manifests his deep closeness to his Lord. He describes his sanctuary or hiding place. He knows that His Lord is the only source of protection and deliverance. We are surely promised God’s steadfast love. So, let us all rejoice that we are saved!
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REFLECTION
• How can you pay forward the mercy you have received from God?