Psalm 32:1-7 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 32:1-7 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
Devotion
I remember a friend who had a secret that distressed his soul. One day he told me his secret: He had left a dying dog without giving aid. For a long time he thought that, just because it was a pet, he did not have to ask for God’s forgiveness.
Many times we think in that way. We only ask for God’s forgiveness for things that seem very bad and overlook those things that seem small. Later we are startled to realize that we are not free of the guilt.
The psalmist says: "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away.” There is a terrible internal tension that develops as a result of having something not confessed in our soul. The confession frees us, gives us peace and assures us of forgiveness.
Prayer
Beloved God, thank you for your forgiveness. Your forgiveness has the power to give life, peace and freedom. Help me to look for it, accept it and believe it. Amen.