“I Will…” - Psalm 32 (Day 4)
Over the past few days, we’ve witnessed David speak about the devastation hidden sin causes to our soul and spirit and the joy that comes when we put words to our struggles and find they get met with forgiveness. The last four verses of Psalm 32 shift from David reflecting on his own life to David prophetically speaking in God’s voice to His people. His message is this: we can’t just embrace forgiveness and go our way; we must let forgiveness form and influence who we trust and what we allow to guide our steps. Typically, before we begin, I provide a space for you to pray, but today I simply invite you to quiet the noise, sit in silence and listen to what God might want to say to you.
As you read Psalm 32:1-7, allow David's words to remind you of the restoration that occurs in your relationship with Christ when you embrace His forgiveness.
Psalm 32:1-7 says this:
1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
The dividing wall sin created crumbles under the weight of God's forgiveness, now replaced by Christ becoming our hiding place. As we read the rest of Psalm 32, observe the relational overtones in God's message to His people.
Psalm 32:8-11 says this:
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Take a moment to reflect on what you just read:
What qualities, characteristics, and behaviors do those who are upright in heart take hold of and display?
God speaks, and the first words out of His mouth aren't a command, a directive, or a rule but rather a gracious promise: He will instruct, teach, and counsel us. God takes it a step further and says that as this takes place, His watchful eye will be attentive to our needs while His unfailing love surrounds us. These promises do something within us. It fosters intimacy. One can't help but notice the drastic shift in the relational dynamic and connection. Before, our hidden struggles encouraged us to hide from God. With sin creating distance, the last thing we’d want is for God to be close; we'd resist looking to Him for guidance. But, now things are different - a restored relationship influences how we respond to His direction going forward. Since He is responsive to us, God invites us to posture our hearts to be responsive to Him.
Take a moment and consider…How do we show our understanding of God’s forgiveness through the way we live our lives?
Read today’s passage slowly one more time.
Psalm 32:8-11 says this:
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
A few moments ago, I said that God invites us to posture our hearts to respond to Him, and I chose the word "posture" on purpose. Having to think about our posture suggests that aligning our hearts and minds to God doesn't come naturally to any of us. It is something we have to give thought to, be intentional about, and practice. Like any invitation, it's our choice on how we reply. In Psalm 23, David describes us as sheep who follow their shepherd's voice - here, God, speaking through David, urges us not to be a horse or mule which has no understanding and resists guidance. These headstrong animals need a bit or bridle before they react, and go along with their master's direction. So how do we let go of our stubborn ways? First, we remember, and then we rejoice. By remembering the pain our struggles caused, we consider our actions before making rash decisions. Reflecting on the freedom Christ's forgiveness brought us, we desire to rest in that all of our days. Recalling God's past faithfulness fuels us to continue our journey, letting Him direct our future steps. These acts of remembrance cause us to rejoice and worship for who God is and what He has done for us.
So, as we begin to wrap up our time together, we want to provide you some space to respond to what we read and maybe to what God is trying to say to you through Psalm 32. First, take a moment to process this question…Where is your stubbornness getting in the way of following God’s lead?
Another question to consider is this…How can you be intentional this week to practice the art of remembering and rejoicing and letting that fuel your receptiveness to His direction?
PRAYER
Father God,
When I think of all You’ve done for me, I rejoice.
Your forgiveness fuels my pursuit of Your heart and ways.
You teach; I will listen. You guide; I will follow. You direct; I will move.
May I be receptive to Your leading and faithful with my obedience. Amen.