Daily Encouragement Day 147 – Psalm 32

Psalm 32, one of the seven “penitential psalms” (the others are Psalms 6, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143), records the anguish and subsequent deliverance of a man who sought to deny and cover up his guilt before the holy eyes of God.  The psalm opens with a joyful word about the blessing of forgiveness (verses 1-2), and in verses 3-5, David recalls the painful effects of his stubbornness and the turning point of his repentance.  The wisdom of repentance is evident in the conclusion of the psalm.  Those who do not know the Lord and believers who refuse to be honest with Him will try to cover up or rationalize their transgressions.  Only when we turn to Him or turn back to Him can we know the liberation and blessing of forgiveness and newness of life.

READING of PSALM 32

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You that You instruct me and teach me in the way I should go, and that mercy surrounds me when I trust in You.  May I be glad in the Lord and rejoice in Your forgiveness.

Meditation passage for today: verses 1-2, 6-8