Psalm 32:1-11
Q.1. What are the negative results of holding onto guilt? What changed David’s circumstances? How did he understand guilt and forgiveness? What important insight did he give us? – (Ps.32:1-5)
We can all identify with David’s description of the conscience troubling and energy sapping nature of unconfessed sin. His testimony reveals the truthful nature of the Bible and showed me the uniqueness of the Word of God. To carry guilt is a heavy burden. To confess sin allows God to forgive the guilt of our sin and leads us back to joy with Him once more. Why do we hold onto sin, and why do we avoid seeking God? There are at least two reasons. The first is that we know deep down that real repentance should bring about change. Experience tells us that we usually struggle to change. This makes us doubt our own sincerity. The other reason is that we misperceive the gracious nature of God. We cannot imagine that a holy God would be willing to forgive us yet again and again. David wasn’t perfect either, yet he could write – And You forgave the guilt of my sin (Ps.32:5 c.f. Col.2:13-15). Herein lies the paradox: Though we may come with sincerity and not just as routine, nevertheless our frequent failure will be our experience until we are made anew by God after we die (see Phil.3:20-21). All God demands of us is that we confess our sins to Him and thus maintain our relationship with Him (see 1 Jn.1:9). To turn from Him because of our failures is an exercise in futility. By coming to Him we confess that we need Him to effect the change that we ourselves are powerless to enact.
Q.2. Why is it dangerous to delay making our peace with God? How did David view God’s protection and guidance? What is promised to those who trust in God? – (Ps.32:6-11)
David, the Psalmist instructed us to seek the Lord – in a time when You may be found (Ps.32:6). David was a soldier-king who relied upon the Lord for his protection and guidance – 7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you (Ps.32:7-8). The conviction of the Holy Spirit is proof that God is still in the business of producing in us what He has already declared us to be. We should not turn Him away and be stubborn like a mule (see Ps.32:9). David concluded that the righteous ones and the upright in heart can rejoice in Him, because – Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him (Ps.32:10). This is not a description of people who are perfect, but rather of believers who have been restored and forgiven by the blood of Christ.