“Remember and Rejoice” - Psalm 32 (Day 5)
Over the past week, we’ve reflected on the words of King David found in Psalm 32. As we’ve walked through this passage together, we saw the heaviness of hidden struggles and unconfessed sin and what takes place when we verbalize them and are vulnerable before God. His forgiveness washes away our guilt, provides us with freedom, and invites us to follow His lead. Our responsiveness to His grace and guidance hinges on our ability to remember and rejoice. And, in today’s devotional we want to practice just that - and spend some time remembering and rejoicing God’s faithfulness, care, and forgiveness. This devotional will be a bit different in its format and flow, and this is an intentional switch on my part. First, you will read Psalm 32, and then I will walk you through a guided exercise on remembrance and rejoicing - and in doing so, invite you to be honest with God about our whole hearts.
Psalm 32 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.
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.
Below you’ll see a Scripture passage and then provide a prayer prompt. Don’t rush through this experience, but be intentional after each section to pray, either by writing your prayers out in a journal, saying them out loud, or reflecting on them in your head.
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8
REMEMBER how exhausting and overwhelming living a double-life with a divided heart was to your soul.
REJOICE that you don't have to hide or pretend, but God invites you to draw near to Him authentically.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
REMEMBER the weight and burden of your hidden struggles and sin.
REJOICE over the reality that your confession collides with God's forgiveness and grace.
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12
REMEMBER that God doesn't continue to count your sin and struggles against you.
REJOICE that because God has let them go....so can you; freeing you from guilt and shame.
"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you." Psalm 86:5
REMEMBER the first time you encountered and embraced God's forgiveness and love.
REJOICE that you worship a God who is forgiving and abounding in love. So much so, that you can trust in that same loving response every time you approach Him with your struggles.
"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11
REMEMBER God's faithfulness and direction in the past, even when you resisted or couldn't sense it.
REJOICE that God provides a constant source to draw life from and a consistent guiding hand to direct your steps.