Psalm 32 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 32 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Verse 2Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Verse 3While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Verse 4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
Verse 5Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Verse 6Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
Verse 7You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
Verse 8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Verse 9Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Verse 10Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Verse 11Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Devotion
How are you? someone greets me. Really, it's another form of hello. Instead of "Fine," what if I responded, "Delivered," and danced a few steps? Probably the other person would think I was not "fine" but "more than a little odd." Or maybe this surprising word, delivered, would be a great conversation starter.
Words can be the tipping point for breaking down barriers. Not just any words: words that I speak to God about my particular sins and my need for help. Confession heals. God's forgiveness is present before our first words. In the months before my mother's death, we shared words of confession and forgiveness with each other. Such a space to love each other opened up!
Prayer
Delivering Lord, strengthen our trust in your steadfast love. Help us to talk with you about the dark places in our lives. Turn us and free us to be sent out with shouts of joy for the gift of deliverance in Jesus Christ. Amen.