Oh, what joy comes to those whose sins are forgiven! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt! These are some of the opening words and thoughts in our reading today, beginning in Psalm 32:1–2 (NLT). Yesterday, we read of David’s sins: adultery and murder. Today, we read of his conviction and confession and the joy that came into his life after finding forgiveness from God.
Notice David’s first reaction to God confronting him about his sins. It is likely the reaction many of us have at first, as our human nature tends to cover up sin, not confess it.
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, 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. (Psalm 32:3–4, NLT)
Yes, the man after God’s own heart sinned grievously, and when confronted by the heavy conviction of God’s Spirit, he refused to confess! This internal struggle went on for days, likely many days. Under conviction, he wasted away, groaning under the weight, and his strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Oh, how hard the human heart is, set in its pride, yet how necessary is the plow of conviction, turning up the heart’s soil to soften it unto confession. No one likes the plowing of conviction, but without it, we would remain hardened in our sin and pride.
Finally, David broke. Nathan, the prophet we read about yesterday, was likely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:5, NLT)
Psalm 51 contains David’s confession. What did David find once he confessed his sins? He saw God mercifully forgiving him, and David’s guilt was gone! Now, it is essential to be clear on something here. While David was forgiven and the guilt was taken away, the effects of his sin would be long-lasting. David is not doing the classic “I’ll confess to get out of trouble” move; no, this is genuine repentance even though the trouble his sin produced will be felt for a long time.
So, what is David’s summary of his stubborn refusal to confess his sins? In Psalm 32:6, David encourages all the godly to repent quickly and not go on in pride like he did. To say it nicely, David compared himself to the stubbornness of a mule without understanding (Psalm 32:9)—ouch! David also says in Psalm 32:7 that one should find refuge in God immediately instead of trying to cover one’s sins. When we sin, run to God; don’t resist Him. Find refuge in Him, for there is no peace in trying to cover up one’s sins.
Ultimately, David encourages the godly to seek a pure heart before God. We will inevitably sin, and God, in love, will convict us by His Holy Spirit. Embrace the work of conviction, confession, repentance, and restoration! And as David concludes his psalm, Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:11, KJV).
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalms 32; 51; 86; 122.