Psalm 32

Psalm 32, a psalm written by David, opens with this…

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lives in complete honesty!”

Let me give you some context here. The sins that the LORD has put out of sight for David included sexual immorality, adultery, and murder. When it comes to sin, David’s motto sometimes seems to be “Go Big or Go Home”. But here’s the deal. These horrible sins that David believes he’s gotten away with are brought home to roost by one of his most trusted advisors, a prophet named Nathan. God sends Nathan to David to let him know that “Guess what, David? I’m God, you pretty much can’t sneak anything by me.”

And David folds, humbled by the revelation of what he’s done. If you take a minute here and go read Psalm 51, you are basically presented with a transcript of David’s confession to God. He asks God for forgiveness and salvation. He pleads with God to help him be willing to obey Him. He asks God to empower him to share the good news of His grace with others. And God does. Were there consequences to David’s sin? Absolutely. Sin brings consequences. But thanks to his trusting the LORD, David survives, and he establishes a relationship with God that is unwavering, steadfast, and…available to all of us.

A bit further along in Psalm 32, David talks about how his lies tormented him and how he felt God’s loving conviction. He says, “Day and Night LORD your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.”

And understand that the LORD’s heavy hand of discipline wasn’t a spanking. It was the realization David had that he had created separation between himself, and God and it weighed on him. It hurt him. But then…

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone!”

Deception…sexual sin…adultery…murder. Even this wasn’t enough to cut David off from the love of God. So, what’s your sin? Think you can come up with something that would cause Jesus to reject you? The answer is no.

At the moment that we humble ourselves, get honest and surrender the burden of sin to our Savior, yes there may be an earthly price to pay, but your sin stains are washed away by Jesus. Eternal life with Him is yours. I’ll let David Himself close here, Psalm 32:11.

So, rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!