This morning I heard a speaker on television talking about Psalm 32 and in my intrigue, I looked it up and relished in it’s message. I felt like Psalm 32 was a personal and precious gift that the Lord hand-picked for me. However, I recognize my pride and audacity to think it’s a gift that is only picked and given to me exclusively.
My thoughts reminded me of the State Farm commercials currently played on television in which a stunned and delighted client is awe struck at the deal that State Farm is giving them on insurance. The agent keeps trying to explain to the client that the offer applies to all who choose State Farm. Everyone can claim the same awesome deal! Yet, the client continues to believe that the deal is hand-picked for only he or she and is offered as an exclusive one that only he or she can have.
Psalm 32 includes an awesome offer that is not exclusive to me, but I took it personally, which I believe that we all should do. As I read it, it was like I was reading it for the first time, which it was not. It brought back precious memories of the times I embraced the offer throughout my life. I hope reading this intrigues you to read Psalm 32 and take it personally and as if you are reading it for the first time.
Let me explain:
I have spent my adult life trying to help others in dealing with their emotional pain. Along the way, I have encountered hurts of all kinds in people’s lives. Many people are kept captive to hurt’s harm and anguish for years and sometimes for their whole life. One of the most vicious of such pains is our guilt that was birthed from our sins.
Many of us don’t want to talk about our sin and other painful topics. Yet, the most painful topics are typically the most important and what most affects our lives and future. I can relate to this truth not only because of my experiences with my counseling clients, but also in my own life. As we stop avoiding looking at our guilt over sins committed, we can begin a journey to healing and getting free from its vice grip over us.
Psalm 32 explains the vice grip of pain that guilt can have on us. Yet, it beautifully describes what happens when we finally admit our sin, talk about it with the Lord, and His faithful forgiveness:
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.
As if forgiveness isn't wonderful enough, the versus follow up by telling us of further blessings to come: His loving protection, deliverance, and guidance.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
The passage then flips to the Lord’s message to us:
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Having the guilt lifted changes us in profound ways. No wonder the Enemy wants us to hide from God, to avoid talking and confessing to our Lord, and relishing in His forgiveness. Even when we have confessed and repented, the Enemy tries to keep us from recognizing that He not only forgave us, but also that He plans to protect us, deliver us, and lovingly keep His eye on us as He guides us through our lives.
As I think of my own life and those of my clients, I am forever reminded of the pain of guilt and how much we needed the truth that Psalm 32 declares. This morning I am reminded that we need to read, reread, and never stop reading the Bible and ingest the powerful medicine it provides for every hurt, every vice grip keeping us in bondage, and every and any thing that keeps us from basking in the love of God.
Psalm 32 (NIV)
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!
Comments