The Joy of Forgiveness

In Psalm 32 David expresses the joy of forgiveness, although it took him some time to seek forgiveness after his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. Upon confessing his sin, his fellowship with God was restored and his joy was overflowing.

Psalm 32 (KJV) states:

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. 10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. 11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Lessons from David in this Psalm:

1. A person is blessed whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, unto whom the Lord does not impute iniquity (cleared of guilt). (vs. 1-2)

2. As long as David denied his sin, he was miserable, in agony, and was physically and spiritually weak. (vs. 3-4)

3. David describes his joy after he confessed his sins and received forgiveness. Sin cannot be hidden; it must be confronted and confessed. (vs. 5)

4. David advises others to repent for God fully forgives. (vs. 6-7)

5. The wicked experience much sorrow, while those who trust in the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy. (vs. 10)

6. God will counsel and watch over his people, but his people must not be stubborn and unwilling to listen, for they will be disciplined. (vs. 9-10)

7. David expressed praise and joy in response to the Lord’s love, forgiveness, and mercy. (vs. 11)

This psalm should not lead us to assume that all illness, poverty or suffering is the result of unconfessed sin, but confessing our sin guards against our fellowship and joy being hindered with our heavenly Father.

Is David speaking to you? Is your joy full?