Songs of Deliverance
Opening Prayer
Merciful God, I’m so grateful for Your gracious forgiveness when I bring You my confession. Forgive me now, I pray.
Read Psalm 32:1-11
[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 Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was David's problem and how did he resolve it?Paul cites this psalm in Romans 4:6-8 to show us that God’s forgiveness is complete; he does not hold our sins against us; he deletes them from our record. This is a beautiful study of the restoration of the relationship between God and us. The psalm shows a clear structure: the blessing (1,2) presupposes the reality of our confession of sin (3,4), and the forgiveness of our sin by the Lord (5). The experience of forgiveness in our own lives then leads us into the wider encouragement of all believers to find refuge in the Lord (6,7). When we encounter the Lord, he surrounds us with “songs of deliverance.” If only we would live our Christian lives according to this pattern of trust and surrender instead of putting our trust in worldly achievements or possessions! The psalmist also gives advice to those who find themselves in the same situation as he had been in: being disciplined by the Lord (9). Here we see that resistance brings only grief, whereas the one who trusts in the Lord and confesses sin will experience God’s kindness (10).
Apply
Confess to the Lord anything he brings to mind and receive his forgiveness. Then enjoy the wonder of that forgiveness.
Closing prayer
Lord, keep me conscious of my sin and ready to confess it. I know that I can count on Your mercy.
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