A Few Lessons From Psalm 32

Uplook – June 2019 — Grace & Truth Magazine

A Few Lessons From Psalm 32

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. —Psalm 32:1-2 NKJV

When I was young I had gotten into some pretty bad trouble. That was before I knew that I could be forgiven because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Now I know my transgression is forgiven and my sin is covered by the blood of Christ. “Covered” means that it is no longer seen by God, nor need it be seen by man – or even me.

“God does not impute iniquity” says that He does not keep our sin, so to speak, on His books. Looking into my past one time, I discovered my unlawful activity had been erased from government records. God does a similar thing for those who have faith in the Lord Jesus, all because of the sacrifice of Christ. The writer of this psalm, David, had a change of mind and heart, as evidenced in the words “in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Romans 3:25 says that it was by Christ Jesus “whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.” This means God is totally satisfied, that Christ’s blood took care of all sin, and in His forbearance He passed over sins previously committed. For believers – those who live by faith – their sins are gone!

When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. —Psalm 32:3-5

There was something blocking communication and fellowship between David and God. This is something that sin does, even in the life of a Christian. I believe this refers to the time immediately after David sinned with Bathsheba, an adulterous relationship which produced an illegitimate child and led to the murder of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11). For at least nine months there was probably no communication between David and God. David’s guilt affected his body. He groaned, and the heavy hand of God was on him, leading to an uncommon dryness in his life.

Eventually, David confessed his transgression (see Ps. 51) after God sent Nathan the prophet to him (2 Sam. 12). Surely he felt relief when he finally admitted his guilt and realized his sin was forgiven, despite its seriousness.

For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah —Psalm 32:6-7

Having learned from his experience, David offered advice to godly ones if they sin – which is an obvious offense to God. It is better when we are on good terms in our relationship with God, and then during the floods of trials we find the best hiding place. The rock badger when in danger hides in the clefts of the rock (Prov. 30:26), but the believer’s place of refuge is in God Himself! Although many things were different in David’s kingdom and life after his sin with Bathsheba, he remained surrounded by songs of deliverance. God carried him on.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you. —Psalm 32:8-9

Beyond simply a place of deliverance, God gives invaluable instruction. He will teach us the proper way to go, guiding with His eye. A good boss can often direct a worker simply with his eye. The horse must be under bit and bridle or it is of no use at all, and the mule is very stubborn and will not work unless he is forced to do so. Are we like the horse or mule; or do we work for the Lord as directed by His eye? Remember, we must be looking at Him so we can see His eye.

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! —Psalm 32:10-11

Christians experience sadness, but the wicked will face sorrows of the most severe type: judgment from God. Mercy, however, surrounds all who trust in the Lord. We are to be glad in Him and rejoice, living righteously from the heart. Let your light shine, for it may be able to help some find their way to God – but this can only be if you are upright in heart.

By Curt Darling