Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 32 – 6-2-20
Oh the blessings of having our sins forgiven. This Psalm celebrates the fact that we can confess our sin, repent of our sin and be forgiven. David knew the blessings of walking in the power and presence of the Lord and the devastation of loneliness when we are separated from God blessing by our sin. The joy of the Lord is mine when I make sure that my sin is covered by the blood of Christ and my relationship with God is clean and pure. This is not just a token confession with no repentance, but a true turning to God and seeking forgiveness and the power to change direction of attitude and action. When I keep silent and hide my sin, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder in such a way that I physically ache for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Another word picture is found in verse 4; “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”(NIV)
Praise the Lord we have verse 5; “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. Selah”(NIV) It is miraculous the forgiveness that is mine and the removal of the guilt of sin through God’s amazing grace. His Spirit has the power to cleanse and heal the wounds of guilt that can destroy my life. When it seems that my sin and the sinful world around me will overwhelm me it is great to know that I can run to the Lord and find my hiding place that keeps me from the trouble of sins control and provide me with songs of deliverance and trust in Him.(vs. 7) Not only do I have God’s forgiveness, but I can also receive His instruction and counsel in the way I should go.(vs. 8) His Spirit will instruct, teach, counsel, and watch over me.
Psalms 32:10-11, 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!(NIV) I truly rejoice and take heart in the unfailing love of the Lord as I trust in Him. Maybe today as we see the affects of sin in our world surrounding us with anger and frustration, we can turn to Him for forgiveness and let His Spirit cleanse, guide, counsel, and return us to trusting in His unfailing love.
Father, I am weary of the weight of sin in my life and my nation. I know that repentance starts with a confession and turning of my heart to You for forgiveness. Today I repent of my part, even silence, in not dealing with sins of injustice and hatred in my life. I desire Your blessings of joy and celebration of Your unfailing love as I trust in You today. You are my Hiding Place, fill me with Your songs of deliverance today. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob