The Joy of Forgiveness

The Joy of Forgiveness

Psalm 32 (coupled with Psalm 51) are two passages that have become very dear to my heart. I have prayed these prayers in the midst of overwhelming guilt, shame, frustration, and hopelessness. These are the words that David spoke after his sin with Bathsheba. David understood that true happiness is found in the forgiveness of God. 

This passage is very personal. Do not forget how much the Bible applies to you individually. When reading the first two verses of Psalm 32, I find it very comforting to replace my name with "the one" and "the man" so it reads like this: 

{ Blessed is _(your name)_ whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 

Blessed is _(your name)_ against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. }

People who find joy in the forgiveness of God are not happy because they are sinless, but because they know they are perfect in the eyes of the Lord. The first two verses list three different kinds of sin. "Transgression" means rebelling against God's rule. "Sin" means missing God's mark/standard. "Iniquity" means distorting God's desire. We fail miserably in all three of these areas. Our actions miss God's perfect standard. Our hearts desire not what God desires. Our whole being wants to rebel against God. But our rebellion is forgiven. Our imperfection is covered. Our evil desires are counted as nothing. We can rejoice not because we are sinless but because God sees us as sinless!

Guilt is a good thing when it leads us to repentance. But guilt can destroy us when we choose not to repent. Verse 3 and 4 warn us of denial. Denying sin causes guilt to tear us apart. God's hand of conviction will continue to work on you until your "strength [is] dried up by the heat of summer" (v. 4). Treat conviction as a gift from God drawing you to confessing and God's forgiveness. If you choose to ignore your sin, you will be more likely to fall into the same sin again. Over time, you will become numb to its impurity. Confess, repent, and receive forgiveness in order to be truly happy. 

If we yield to God's conviction, we can enjoy His protection. Do not act like a horse which needs a bit in order to stay near to God. There is a much easier solution. Completely surrender to the Lord for He is our hiding place and He will keep you from trouble. He will deliver you from all evil. He will not only deliver you, but direct you in the right way. He will counsel and instruct you in all goodness. He will watch you continuously. 

While guilt can bring us to the Lord, it can also bring us far from Him. It is possible to harbor false guilt after repentance. After we confess our sins before the Lord, surrender to Him, and voice our dependence on His grace, guilt is no longer needed. Guilt's job is done. Do not continue to beat yourself up over your sin. Do not hold on to it. Let go and know that you are deemed righteous. There is no condemnation, none. Choose joy not false guilt. 

Enjoy the blessing of God's forgiveness and the happiness that comes with it. Because of Christ's work on the cross, you are forgiven. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. The Lord's mercies are unending. "Steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord...shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (v. 32). 

The Girl Next Door