Blessing of Forgiveness

Reading the Bible reveals the many blessings that God provides and promises, one of which is forgiveness. Several characters in the Bible expressed gratitude and relief for God's forgiveness. One of those people was David from the Old Testament. For example, Psalm 32 highlights the joy of confessing our sins to God and recognizing His guidance.  Psalm 32 is a favorite among many people. It was Saint Augustine, the great theologian and prolific writer, who had Psalm 32 nailed to the wall next to his bed so that he could meditate on it daily.  Perhaps you can benefit from reviewing this special Psalm.  

Whether you have something you need to confess to God or you need a reminder of His grace, let the powerful words of Psalm 32 bless your heart.

"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!"
Amen