As I read through Psalm 32 one more time, 2 things hit me in relation to the relief that forgiveness brings. There is the before element that precedes the relief of the present- the now moment.
With deep joy the psalmist celebrates 1″Happy are those whose transgressions is forgiven, whose sin is covered”.
Before he could experience this knowledge of acquittal that to him 2“was imputed no iniquity,” there was the crippling, crushing experience of 3. “While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long”- That speaks of physical anguish added to the knowledge of wrong which must have meant mental anguish as well. There was also the physical feeling of weakness, inability to thrive because
4 Day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength dried up as by the heat of summer- tells me that he was feeling down pressed by that heavy hand and squeezed like a dehydrated somebody. That was the BEFORE season.
And then came this: 5. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my son.
You know, one thing is predictable. When we confess our sin, God forgives and relieves. That’s the divine nature. It is who God is- loving, giving and forgiving.
It is almost as though God calls us to let him play into our requests for pardon. Of course, the request must be genuine since no one can fool God.
So, follow the psalmist’s instructions and seek God’s pardon. Hear him again: 6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
Claim your pardon by acknowledging your need of pardon. That’s God’s instruction in case you need to be reminded:8 “”I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel with my eye upon you.
Yes. Follow God’s leading and do not be stubborn. In other words, don’t play wrong and strong.
9Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Don’t waste time and effort fighting against truth. That only leaves you with the classification ‘wicked’ to your name! And,
10″” Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So, my friend, don’t stay on the side of the wicked. Get past the BEFORE moment and you will know the gladness that God puts in the heart of the forgiven. Forgiveness spells relief.
11″Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart”.