Rejoice and sing for joy
Opening Prayer
Forgiving God, I open my heart and life to Your searching light.
Read Psalm 32:1–11
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1]Of David. A maskil. 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. [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! Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How did David find peace?When I was a child I had an imaginary friend. I blamed him whenever I was caught doing wrong. It was not until I owned up that my parents forgave me. Psalm 32 tells David’s story of forgiveness by God. It starts with David’s memory of knowing God’s forgiveness (1,2). In verses 3 and 4 David attempts to hide his wrongdoing, graphically describing the effects. Finally he comes to his senses and owns up to God (5). What result does this have for him (5)? In verses 6 and 7, David has some amazing things to say about God’s response. Which of the ideas in these verses speaks to you most powerfully? God’s voice responds to David (8–10). The reference to the horse and mule conveys a sense of stubbornness, which we may be able to identify with. But, just as stubborn or unfailing is the love of God for those who trust in him (10). Verse 11 refers to the joy of a restored relationship with God. That joy encourages us to maintain a right relationship with God.
Apply
Think about your experience of God’s forgiveness. Thank God for his unfailing love (10) and sing for joy.
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for Your desire to gently guide a willing heart. Help me to respond to You.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2025 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.