Psalms 32:1-11
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guidea thee with mine eye.
9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
the Song of the Forgiven
David wrote this psalm, Romans 4:6. Maschil means “to give instruction.” We are deeply instructed as to the working of conscience. Compare with Psalms 51:1. This was one of Luther's favorites.
For some time after his sin, David withheld confession and suffered terribly. But when the wound was opened and the poison pressed from it, he burst out in the words with which the psalm opens: Oh, the blessedness! Sin means missing the mark; iniquity is that which is turned aside from its course. Forgiven, covered, not imputed -each of these is true in Jesus.
The presence of God is always appreciably nearer when floods are running high. Note those three precious promises of instruction, teaching, and guidance, Psalms 32:8. Throw on God the responsibility of indicating your path. Don't wait for the sharp jerk of bit or bridle; let love prompt and inspire your every movement. Haydn said: “When I think on God, the notes dance from my pen.” Remember the music and dancing that welcomed the prodigal!