Joy In Forgiveness

Introduction

Read Psalm 32

Pray

Intro:

statement on the election

Importance: The first thing that seems to go is our joy and our hope, Psalm 32 and 33 address the source of our Joy and the source of our Hope.

Two things to consider:

Our Hearts: Romans 9:1-3 Paul wishes that he could lose his salvation so that his fellow country men could receive it. These men are rejecting Christ but instead of hating them or building bitterness, Paul finds it in his heart that he would give up his own healing for them. Our hearts should be breaking for our nation and longing for the people to experience salvation.

Romans 8:28-29 : For those who love God, all things work for our good! This an amazing promise in scripture that we should cling to! However, we rarely quote the second verse “He desires us to be conformed into the image of Christ” To be conformed means that something must be changed or shifted, that what must happen to us as believers. Whatever the outcome of this election, it will be exactly what you need to be further conformed into the image of Christ.

Theme: JOY IN FORGIVENESS : (which comes through)

Healing

Refuge

Guidance

Psalm 32

BLESSED: David begins his hymn by saying “blessed” is one whose transgression is forgiven.

Forgiveness is most certainly a blessing and provides blessing, however David has another thing in mind.

The word means “joyful” or “happy”.

Why is this person happy or joyful?

Because his transgressions have been forgiven.

This is to say that those who have been forgiven are filled with joy.

Three words for sin:

Transgression: act of rebellion

Sin: falling short of, missing the mark

Iniquity: crooked action that is conscious

These do not really describe three distinct types of sin but is meant to say that forgiveness of any kind or level can be had in God and will produce great joy.

How does it produce great joy?

Healing

Refuge

Guidance

HEALING

David begins this section by describing what it was like to have unconfessed sin.

His bones wasted away: This is a picture of Ez. 37 “dry Bones” which is to say that he had spiritual dryness.

He groaned all day long: This is to show the deep longing for healing but complete inability to bring it himself.

Hand was heavy on me: This is the hand of God which was upon David to symbolize the discipline of the Lord. This pressure was upon him day and night and was unending.

His strength was dried: David unconfessed sin exhausted his strength and was like he was laboring in the heat of summer.

We know the suffering it is to labor in August here!

Contrast of the one in Ps. 1 (tree planted by streams)

David Then explains his confession:

David says that he acknowledged his sin and confessed and the Lord forgave!

David was healed from his iniquity

REFUGE

David offers a logical conclusion to his forgiveness and it is that if you are in need of forgiveness, confess, God will forgive you. His forgiveness will provide refuge.

To all who are godly: David addresses those who know God which is to say that repentance is not a one time event, but an event even for the godly.

Is. 55:6 : reminds us that the chance to repent is drawing to a close.

Rush of great waters: David shows the refuge that is for the forgiven. It is like being protected from a great water intrusion. Water being the most powerful force on the planet.

Hiding place, preserver, surround me: These are attributes of God and promises of how he will treat his people, those who are repentant.

Guidance

The voice of the Psalm turns from David to God. He gives a precious promise.

God says that he will instruct and teach you the way to go.

Those who are repentant are instructed by the Lord and guided by his hand.

He will counsel with his eye upon: A beautiful picture of the intimacy of God and his care for his people.

God gives an command: Be not like a horse without understanding

The picture is of a working horse that does not know where to go unless he is guided by tools to lead him.

Without the discipline of the master, the horse would wander off in pointless direction.

Why must we so often be guided by the discipline of the Lord when we could simply follow the sweetness of his word!

God’s plea is that we remain near him, following his steady guidance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, David notes that the sorrows of the wicked are many, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trust in the Lord.

A stamp of approval for what has already been said.

The end ties back to the beginning, BE GLAD IN THE LORD.

This is our true source of joy, gladness, happiness; it is the Lord.

If you do not know christ, you can be forgiven. Repent of your sins and choose Christ to be your king. He will heal you of your sins and call you his own. This Forgiveness produces joy through healing, refuge, and guidance.

Affections: If you are in christ, acknowledge that you have been healed, acknowledge the real and powerful refuge that is in the Lord, and acknowledge the grace-filled guidance that Lord provides.

Challenge: Maybe this week or the weeks after you will have a decision to make, what will be the source of my joy? You can choose earthly things, temporal things, even good things but that are temporary. Or, you can choose the blood of Jesus, the work of the cross, the healing that you have received, the refuge that you have in our God and the guidance that is offered.