The Joy Of Being Forgiven

I was speaking to a friend recently and we got to speaking about Psalm 32. 

There are lots of sections of the Bible that I’m familiar with and which have been an encouragement to me for long periods of my life.  But it was only in the past few years that I “discovered” Psalm 32. 

I’m not sure there is a clearer description anywhere else in the Bible of the disaster of covering up and living with hidden sin and shame as compared to the freedom and joy of clearing the slate with God. 

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Psalm 32:1-2

That’s the first bit of good news, isn’t it.  When God forgives us He no longer counts them against us.  Now, look at the poor soul who decides they ought to just keep silent and keep their struggles and failures to themselves.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

Psalm 32:3-4

What a mess.  Guilt and shame and fear and condemnation wreak havoc on our soul and bring about a heavy burden that truly saps our strength.

And then the wonderful transformation and release from acknowledging our sin, confessing it all, and receiving God’s forgiveness.

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.

Psalm 32:5-6

In the 12-Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous Step 4 has us doing a searching, fearless, and moral inventory of our lives and then in Step 5  we admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.  Certainly sounds like Psalm 32 to me?

And believe me, over and over again, in spite of being very fearful before doing these two steps, once they are completed each person speaks of the heavy heavy load that has been lifted.  God’s word is truth for anyone and everyone who will respond to it.

Loving God, we are so blessed that You are willing to forgive every sin we confess and to wash us clean.  You don’t hold them in the background to dredge us against us when we stumble but you truly wipe the slate clean.  Thank You for forgiveness, for a fresh start, for new life and hope, for the dignity of walking before You and others without shame as Your new creations. 

Help us today and every day to deal with whatever is lurking in the dark places of our soul and to allow You to fill us with the joy of Your saving forgiveness.  Amen

Let’s live in the joy and freedom of having a clean slate with God.  Have a great day.