THE JOY OF BEING FORGIVEN
Play Audio
If you prefer listening to today’s Bible guide reading, play this audio file.
If the audio bar is not appearing, click here to play the audio.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I worship you this Sabbath, thank you for your love for me, for your constant care, and your advocacy on my behalf in heaven.
Read PSALM 32
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Psalm
Psalm 32
Psalm 32
Of David. A maskil.
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.
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!
Reflect
‘God’s mercy is fresh and new every morning.’*In 2 Samuel 11, we read about David’s adultery with Bathsheba and his effective murder of Uriah, her husband. In the next chapter, he is confronted with the reality of his sin, and in Psalm 51, David pours out his regret as he confesses his sin to God. In Psalm 51:13, David promises that if God will forgive him, he will teach other sinners God’s ways. Many commentators believe that Psalm 32 is part of his fulfillment of that promise.
I wonder if you can identify with David, as he tries to hide his sin but feels the burden of it weighing him down (vv. 3, 4). This is contrasted with the relief and joy of confessing it all and feeling God’s forgiveness (vv. 1, 2, 5). Looking back on such a time in my own life, I do wonder at the futility of trying to hide something from an omniscient God, and the foolishness of not repenting immediately when he has promised to forgive and wants to ‘surround [us] with songs of deliverance’ (v. 7).
Praise God for his unfailing love and mercy.
Apply
‘As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him’ (Psalm 103:12,13). What does this mean to you today?
Closing prayer
Maker of the world, King eternal, have mercy on [me]. / Fount of boundless pity, have mercy on [me]. / Christ, the Light of the world, giver of life, have mercy on [us].**
*Joyce Meyer, Christian author and speaker **Sarum Kyrie eleison No. 9
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2026 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.