Psalm 32
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
(PSALM 32:1)
When we're trying to pack for a trip, we know some things are essential. Without tickets or passports, for example, we might not be going anywhere!
Forgiveness is one of the essentials for our journey with Christ. It's comparable to our ticket to embark. Our new life with Christ begins with forgiveness, and we need to check it at every stage of the journey. We can't ignore turbulence, whether caused by our goofs in relationships or by offences against us. Either way, forgiveness restores a smooth flight. Jesus said, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14).
Paul warns us that failing to seek forgiveness or to extend it to others creates a weak spot that Satan could use to get us off course (2 Corinthians 2:11). To forgive ourselves and receive freedom from guilt and condemnation should also be part of the package. We have the privilege of going on an "all-inclusive" trip, all expenses paid by the precious blood of Jesus.
INSIGHT
HOW BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE TRESPASS HAS FREELY BEEN FORGIVEN,
WHOSE SIN IS WHOLLY COVERED BEFORE THE SIGHT OF HEAVEN.
(PSALTER HYMNAL, 1912)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Genesis 24
Psalm 12
Matthew 19-20
Psalm 32
Of David. A maskil.[a]
1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
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 on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.[b]
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.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on 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 one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 32:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
b. Psalm 32:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 7.
THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET
with Jerry Krueger
What do you think of when you hear a trumpet? It may bring to mind a horse race or a concert. But the Bible often associates trumpets with battles, kingship, or even judgment.
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