Psalm 32 is one of repentance David wrote after confessing his sins of adultery, murder, and deception (2 Samuel 11-12).  While Psalm 1:1 says those who obey the Lord and steer clear of sin are blessed, Psalm 32:1 says those who confess sins and experience God’s forgiveness are also blessed.  David committed transgressions (crossed God’s lines) by committing adultery and murder, two of the Ten Commandments he already knew were wrong (Exodus 20:2-17).  David sinned (missed the mark) with these actions was deceitful as he conspired to carry them and pretended he had done nothing wrong. The good news is God forgave and covered him (v. 1) and does not count them against him any longer (v. 2).  That is truly a blessing!

David described how he felt while he was unrepentant for almost a year.  He was probably about fifty years old but felt (and probably looked) like an old man!  His bones were wasting away and he was groaning all day (v. 3).  He felt the conviction of the Lord all day long, was sapped of his strength, and probably lost a ton of sleep (v. 4).  But then something turned all this around – repentance.  He admitted and confessed his sin and stopped coving it up (v. 5).  The Lord forgave his guilt and sin.  What a relief!  What a burden that was lifted!  How freeing is the forgiveness that comes through repentance!

David encourages all the faithful disciples to pray to the Lord while He may be found (v. 6).  The Lord protected David because he ran to the Lord for deliverance (v. 7).  God hid and protected him (forgave and restored).  God desires for us to not be like a stubborn mule (v. 9), thinking the way of our sin is right.  How mule-headed we can be if we would only let the Lord instruct, teach, and counsel us (v. 8).  O how the Lord loves and surrounds us as we trust in Him (v. 10).  There is much rejoicing when we repent (upright in heart v. 11)!

Questions:

1. Do you have an unconfessed sin that is weighing down your life? 
2. What is preventing you from repenting?
3. Are you being mule-headed in your sin instead of humble and repentant?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for forgiveness and mercy.  Your way is always best.  Please put Your heavy hand on me day and night (v. 4) and lead me back to You when I am mule-headed in my sin.  I will rejoice in the Lord and be glad!  I will sing and be upright in heart!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.