Gleanings for June 4

The JOY of FORGIVENESS

Psalm 32: 1 & 2 NKJV: “Blessed are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed are those to whom the Lord does not charge their account with iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 32 is a Psalm of “Contemplation” which means: “Thoughtful observation or meditation; 2^nd definition is: “Expectation or intention”. According to a comment in Strong’s Concordance, it is one of 13 “instructive” Psalms.

The Word Wealth in my Bible says these Psalms are “designed to make the reader wise.” Since we all need wisdom we’ll see what we can learn as we look further into what it says.’’

Keeping the avenue between us and the Lord open by confessing any known sin that we may have committed is one of the things this Psalm emphasizes. I recall a question my beloved husband asked as he began expositing on this Psalm:

It was this: “Who are the happiest people you know?” The answer: “The ones who are not carrying around guilt.” It really is true that someone who fails to confess a known sin will find it difficult to radiate joy.

The New Living Bible begins that Psalm like this: “Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty.”

Verse 3 tells us the affect “sin withheld” will have: “When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.”

Once the Psalmist confessed his sin he could bring this confession: “YOU are my hiding place; YOU protect me from trouble. YOU surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Praise the Lord! That is a contrast to his miserable state he was in when he refused to ask the Lord for forgiveness.

We can learn a lot from the last two verses: “Many sorrows come to the wicked, but UNFAILING LOVE surrounds those who trust the Lord.

So REJOICE IN THE LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! SHOUT for JOY, all you whose hearts are pure.”

Let us ask the Lord to help us apply these truths as we go about our every day work. We should remember to thank Him for the strength He has available for us to receive so we can walk in the victory that has been bought and paid for by Jesus.

He wants you to know the true joy that comes when all your sin has been forgiven. The way to receive that forgiveness is to ASK HIM. Then for sure you will KNOW in your own heart:

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH!