Saturday, April 18

Weekend: Forgiven! Ahhhh!!!

Intro:
As usual, we will put our devo on the 10 Commands on hold and look at a psalm this weekend.

I chose Psalm 32 because of its deep message of forgiveness.

After looking at the first couple of commands it becomes apparent that God is wholly other and worthy of respect and worship. It also becomes apparent that we worship him lackadaisically at times. The gap between who he is and who we are is filled by Jesus Christ. The means of having that gap filled on my behalf is being forgiven by acknowledging my sin to God.

This is exactly what David experiences here in Psalm 32.

Read: Psalm 32
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Selah
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
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 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.
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!

Think:
This is David’s song of release after confessing his adultery and cover up. The first part of the psalm reminds us of the consequences that come for God’s people that step out of his will and sin.

A casual observer might not have noticed anything different about David. He carried on kingdom responsibilities for the months following his sin. He was operating with a “spirit of deceit” (v.2). Yet something was different on the inside. A part of him was under the weight of God. A part of him was crushed.

He had physical problems: he was wasting away and without strength (v. 3, 4).

He had psych problems: he was groaning and guilty (v. 3, 5).

He also had spiritual problems: he was aware that God’s hand was crushing him (v. 4). God was directing the consequences.

“When times are good rejoice, when times are bad consider for the One who made the one made the other.” If times are bad consider what the Lord might be doing in it.

What makes this Psalm so wonderful is the view. We get to see David after he has confessed, made restitution and enjoyed the happiness of forgiveness. How happy we are when we are forgiven (v.1). How happy to be forgiven and released from the guilt (v.4).

There is much more in this psalm that cannot be mined here. Let us close with this admonition: don’t wait to get right with God! David waited and he paid a price. In reflection he realized he was acting like a stubborn horse that required a bit and bridle to make it mind (v. 9). Keep short accounts with God!

Do:
Have you experienced the joy of being forgiven? Have you known the happiness of forgiveness from guilt? Have you experienced the happiness of release by knowing that the only One that can condemn you offers your forgiveness?

Will you come to God willingly and confess your sins? Will you do it before the pressure of physical and psychological consequences drive you there?

Take time in silent reflection. Search your heart before the Lord. Better yet, ask him to search it for you! Do not make anything up but see if the Lord is speaking to you about an area that needs to be confessed.

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