Blessed are those who are forgiven

I have some food I’d like to share with hungry people who are bearing a burden of guilt. I hope you will feast on the Word of God found in one of my favorite psalms, Psalm 32. It is commonly known as a “maskil” psalm, one of wisdom and learning. If you’re disappointed with your world, your accomplishments, yourself … this Psalm is for you.

Psalm 32 begins with one of the greatest words a Hebrew would find in the Bible (eshre). Jesus’ powerful Sermon on the Mount centers on the Greek word equivalent. Eight times, begins with a “Blessed” (beatitude). From a mountaintop, He declares who the fortunate, chosen, special, to be envied people truly are. Some might call them “winners.”

This psalm of King David begins with the declaration, “Blessed (eshre) is the one whose transgressions (offensive acts) are forgiven (lifted, carried off) whose sins (mistakes) are covered. The following verse adds richness to the first, “Blessed is the person whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit there is no deceit”. In verses 3-5, David calls us to action. “When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long … my strength was sapped.” (32:3).

David then calls to his brothers and sisters to pray to the Lord, finding His “hiding place, shelter (source of release) while the Lord is near.” Amazingly, we come across words believed to be from God in response: “I will instruct and teach you … counsel you … watch over you.” Challenging words follow “Don’t be like a horse or a mule that needs to be bridled.” God’s hand was upon David because He was calling-wanting him to “come clean,” come to the ultimate, only true source of release and relief. David chooses to “acknowledge my sin to you and not cover up my shortcomings … and You forgave my guilt.” (32:5)

Feeling Hurt? Broken inside? Verse 10 offers the hope we need, “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love (all of His Godness) surrounds the person who trusts in Him.” Then comes a time of great victory, “Rejoice in the Lord, and be glad, you have been made right.” This psalm is not leading us to go before God for condemnation but to be released, set free, to follow our Great One who wants to make us clean, to wash away our guilt feelings.

My prayer is that you may be drawn to read and meditate on this psalm of such great promise and inspiration … to “come clean.” I pray you will feel completely clean when finished. David closes with the imperative, “Sing, all you who are (now) upright in heart … in whose spirit there is no deceit, treachery, as before. I offer this song, “Come To The Altar.” You’ll find some delightful, young people on YouTube to lead you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf9aVDUuTsI