Psalm 32 – Forgiven!
Jesus tells us we are to forgive our brothers (and sisters) seven times seven. Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer we tell God to forgive us as we forgive others. But what is it to be forgiven? What do we learn about forgiveness from Psalm 32 – forgiven?
Psalm 32
Psalm 32 begins by stating that those who have been forgiven are blessed. The writer states this three times to emphasis just how blessed this person is.
“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.” (1-2)
This psalm is attributed to David. Well he knew his own sinfulness, as his sins were great and out in public where all could see and judge. So, he also knew the blessings of being forgiving.
He states how heavy his sins were upon him until he acknowledged them.
“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.
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.” (3-5)
Knowing the benefit of forgiveness, he instructs others on their need to seek the Lord
“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found.” (6)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” (8-9)
He ends by praising God and encouraging all to rejoice in the Lord, who’s unfailing love surrounds us.
“Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (10-11)
The Gift of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. It frees us from anger and hatred, which are deadly to the soul. Being forgiven is a gift God gives us repeatedly. How many times did God forgive the Hebrew nation in the Old Testament? Too many to count. How many times has God forgiven us? Seven times seven, or an infinite number.
Guilt can deprive us of joy in living. Holding onto guilt saps our strength and even wastes away our bones. All it takes is for us to speak up, admit our failings, and we will be forgiven. Why is it so hard to do that?
We want to believe we are better than we are. To admit our failings forces us to realize that we are just like everybody else and fallible. Sometimes we hold onto our guilt because we don’t believe in God’s forgiveness or feel we are unforgiveable. We are either the worst sinner and not deserving of forgiveness, or we consider ourselves saints and incapable of sinning. Reality is that we are neither. We are just human.
Psalm 32 – Forgiven
Psalm 32 – forgiven, reminds us how blessed it is to be forgiven. If David, an adulterer who has his mistress’s husband killed, can be forgiven, why can’t we? There is no sin so great that God won’t forgive it; nothing God hasn’t heard before.
We all need forgiveness. Fortunately, we have a God who is willing to forgive. Blessed are we, God’s people.
Are you struggling to forgive someone or to accept forgiveness? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or email me, patricia@patriciamrobertson.com.
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 32: Is Confession Good for Body and Soul? – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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