1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Remember what Selah means? It is a break in the movement. It is a time of rest. On a musical sense, you will remember, that it is like a rest. When we first encountered this word, we talked about its importance as a way of life. Here it reminds us and is used in both instances.
The breaks in the psalm divide it into four parts. The first part deals with sin. That is the act of sinning in the life of the psalmist. The second part it saying what made the difference. That is the act of confession. The third part is a reminder of God's faithfulness. That is the act of forgiving and receiving grace. The fourth part is the congregation's call to repent as well. That is the act of responding.
In which act do you find yourself today? Are you stuck in sinning? Perhaps you are in need of confession. Maybe you have received forgiveness. Perhaps it is your time to call others to a similar action. Wherever you find yourself, there is always room for the love and grace of God.
Pray Psalm 32.
