God’s Word of Mercy and Forgiveness
Introduction
Psalm 32: Today’s reading is a psalm of confession and forgiveness. The psalmist celebrates the happiness of those whom God forgives. He compares the exhaustion of holding on to one’s sins with the peace and protection that comes with confessing one’s sins.
Scripture Reading
Confession and Forgiveness
1 Happy are those whose sins are forgiven,
whose wrongs are pardoned.
2Happy is the one whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong
and who is free from all deceit.
3When I did not confess my sins,
I was worn out from crying all day long.
4Day and night you punished me, Lord;
my strength was completely drained,
as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.
5Then I confessed my sins to you;
I did not conceal my wrongdoings.
I decided to confess them to you,
and you forgave all my sins.
6So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need;
when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in,
it will not reach them.
7You are my hiding place;
you will save me from trouble.
I sing aloud of your salvation,
because you protect me.
8The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go;
I will instruct you and advise you.
9Don’t be stupid like a horse or a mule,
which must be controlled with a bit and bridle
to make it submit.”
10The wicked will have to suffer,
but those who trust in the Lord
are protected by his constant love.
11You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice
because of what the Lord has done.
You that obey him, shout for joy!
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; you will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me.
Reflect
How does the psalmist describe what it feels like to hold on to one’s sins? How does he go about confessing them? What does the image of God as a hiding place mean to you? How have you experienced God’s forgiveness?
Pray
O God, you are my hiding place! You will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation because you protect me. Forgive me of my sins, and show me the way I should go. I praise you and thank you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 51: A prayer for forgiveness.