A PRAYER OF THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS—A Psalm of David
OUR PERSONAL REFLECTION: Joy and blessing is found in the forgiveness we receive from the Lord. Trust in the Lord, repentance of sin and a contrite heart will bring this forgiveness and blessing. The righteous and godly believers will receive many blessings from God. They will receive: mercy, peace, protection and answered prayer. This is the joy received from salvation and walking with the Lord. Both this Psalm 32 and 51 speak to transgressions, repentance and forgiveness and the blessings that come to the one who trusts in the Lord. In Psalm 51 we have the prayer of repentance and in Psalm 32 we have the joy found in forgiveness of the repented heart.
[BIBLE READING: PSALM 32] Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him. 7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way You should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, 10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
In v.1-2 David speaks to the blessing that he received from the forgiveness for his sins. The key is that the blessings come from the Lord, once the repentance is given. David describes the effect of repentance which is “in whose spirit there is no deceit”.
In v. 3-5 David speaks of his pain and guilt while living in unrepentant sin. He felt the strain constantly resulting in his lost vitality. He feels empty, dried up as it were. David knew that he had offended God and he knew that God’s righteousness demands repentance with acknowledgement of the sin. Therefore, David states that he complies and repents. He confesses his transgression and The Lord forgives the iniquity of his sin.
In v. 6-7 David (and the godly) find their safety in the Lord who has forgiven them their trespasses. It is for this reason we approach God, and call out to him in our sin and distress. With repentance, David’s relationship with the Lord is restored. God will preserve His people in times of hardship, and He will answer the prayers of the godly. David is delivered by the forgiveness he is given.
In v. 8-9 David speaks of the guidance and teaching we receive from the Lord. We are cautioned not to be stubborn, which is a show of having no understanding.
In v. 10-11 David warns that the wicked will have many sorrows. The righteous who believe in The Lord will receive His mercy. David tells us that this is a cause for great joy. The joy we receive in forgiveness and salvation from the Lord, and we are warned of the sorrows that will remain for the unrepented/wicked.
This daily Equip Devotional has been provided by Rev. Marie Parma as we take time this Holy season in anticipation of the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.
Let us pray…
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