Psalm 32

Read Psalm 32

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven.” David understood the sad condition of mankind and the potential for a better life that the Lord had provided through forgiveness. He knew that all kinds of disobedience could be “covered” by God, allowing worshipers to be honest not only about their great need, but also about the mercy that could be theirs through grace.

Without a solution to humanity's sin crisis, those who would approach God would be tempted to religious pretense. This might lead to serious bodily sickness and even death. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away.” This condition was not merely from internal turmoil. “Your hand was heavy upon me.”

Relief came to David through honest confession and repentance. God's forgiveness brought great comfort. Through this experience he found a better way of life. He also embraced a new mission to those around him who might learn from his errors and from the restoration that had come to him from the Lord. “Let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found.”

David was moved to worship through the profound events he had experienced in his own life. He saw now that there was no need for anyone to persist in sin. That kind of stubbornness was more fitting for a senseless beast than for a human being who could experience God's steadfast love.

With the coming of the Messiah, we now understand more about how God has covered the sins of those who come to Him for forgiveness. The mercy of the Almighty can set a man free from the bondage of lies. No one needs to persist in a life of wickedness for even one more moment. A strong solution to our deepest problem has come to us through our Redeemer's blood. Our God has received the obedience of Jesus and given His Son's reward to all who will trust in Him. We who were lost in the misery of rebellion have found relief and blessedness in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Father, You have counted the righteousness of Christ as our righteousness. His death was ours, and His life above is also for us. Our sin has been forgiven, for You have delivered our lives from Your wrath. You make us messengers of faith in Your Son. We will trust in Him forever, together with all who have been counted as upright in heart by Your grace.