Psalm 32

I was running through my calendar earlier, and was writing down the psalm to write about each day. There are enough psalms that this series will not end until October 28! I apologize for getting behind every so often, but I try to catch up as quickly as I can without sacrificing the thoughts of each psalm for my own study, or for yours.

On to the devotional thoughts from Psalm 32.

1. According to many sources, this psalm (along with 51 and others) has long been called a “penitential psalm.” It seems, through the beautiful words, that David is “learning a lesson” from sinning, but is also turning back to the Lord and remembering how beautiful forgiveness really is.

2. Verses 1 and 2 should come to our mind when someone (including me) comes forward to confess error. People sometimes have the wrong attitude about those who are admitting error, but if they are asking for God’s forgiveness, they are truly blessed. God forgives and forgets!

3. Verses 3 and 4 show, in a graphic way, the effects that harboring sin can take, even upon our physical bodies. Many today get sick or have ulcers and the like simply from not confessing sin.

4. Verse 5 is the key to repentance. David says, “I acknowledged my sin to You.” We need to say more than, “I’ve done something wrong.” We need to be willing to say what our sins are and take our specific sins to the throne of God.

5. Verse 7 has been turned into a song, celebrating God’s protective nature.

6. Beginning with verse 8, David decides to take this “life lesson” of forgiveness and teach others. In many ways, this is an Old Testament example of someone fulfilling the Great Commission. We often say, “We have been saved to save.”

7. Verse 9 uses the picture of a horse and mule to teach us to avoid being stubborn. Sometimes, it is simply stubbornness that keeps us from turning back to God.

8. Verse 11 is a teaching that needs to be at the front of our minds when we are forgiven. Because God forgives, we should praise Him and rejoice!