Psalm 32

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1–2, ESV)

If David were perfect, I don’t think I could relate to him. There are too many times when I don’t do the things I want to do, and I do the things I don’t want to do. David made some colossal errors, yet he was still considered a man after God’s own heart. David’s virtue was that he always came back to the LORD whom he loved. We believe that David wrote Psalm 32 after the year he spent trying to cover his sin with Bathsheba. He describes the misery of that time:

-My bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

-My strength was dried up as in the heat of summer.

-Day and night Your hand was heavy upon me.

But when David confessed his sin, God forgave him and everything changed. Don’t you love the simplicity of that?

Yesterday while driving in my truck I was meditating on the forgiveness of God. How amazing it is that He is willing to forgive us an unlimited number of times. He only asks that we honestly confess our sins and believe in Jesus who made provision for them. In the Old Testament, sin was covered by the blood of bulls and goats through the sin offering. But in the New Testament, sin is completely removed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The LORD counts no transgression against us—He keeps no record of our wrongs.

After David’s sins were forgiven there was no more deceit. Living a double life was killing him, but now everything was in the open. He could start the process of restoration. His conscience was clear, and his faith was renewed. David could hear God’s voice again.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8, ESV)

After that year of separation and silence, how wonderful it must have been for David to know that God had not given up on him. Even though it was a long and painful road ahead, David had hope in God’s steadfast love. No wonder this song ends on such a high note!

“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:11, ESV)

Regardless of our present condition, if we confess our sins we will receive God’s forgiveness and experience fullness of joy. He gives us beauty for ashes.