BLESSED ARE THE FORGIVEN

We are often burdened by the guilt of sin weighing heavily in our hearts. Most of the time, many will not tell others of their sins because of this guilt and shame. The guilt hurts the sinner together with his or her loved ones in many senses. However, there can be great joy when one acknowledges and confesses his sins to God. Psalm 32 tells us of David’s joy which came about as a result of his confession.

There is great joy in those whose sins are forgiven (Psalm 32:1). When sins are forgiven, it is a heavy burden off one’s shoulders. The forgiven sins are covered in the sense that they will not be mentioned again (Psalm 103:12; Ezekiel 33:14-16).

There is great joy in the forgiven person, because God does not impute any iniquity on him (Psalm 32:2). This means that there will not be any iniquity that is put on the person’s account. A person makes a deliberate choice to do what is right and confesses his sins (c.f. Joshua 24:15). Thus, he receives forgiveness.

This happy man whose sins are forgiven is also such that there is no guile nor deceit in him. He is an honest man and has let go of the burden of sins. There are times when a person keeps silent about sin in his or her life. This brings suffering. Such was so with David who experienced sorrow and physical toll (Psalm 32:3). There will be physical, psychological, and emotional anguish on the person who does not acknowledge his sin before God. 

Attempting to hide sins from God will not solve the problem. God’s hand is heavy on those who do not talk to Him about their sin (Psalm 32:4). Guilt has an impact on a person’s mental and physical well-being. The way to eliminate guilt is to go to God and make things right before Him.

Acknowledging and confessing sin brings about comfort to the soul. David acknowledged his sins to God and God forgave him (Psalm 32:5). Instead of keeping quiet, a person who goes to God in prayer and acknowledges his sin before God will experience a release from the burden of sin. David was in the “floods of great waters” of his sin before he acknowledged and confessed them before God. After he did so, they would not reach him (Psalm 32:6). We should not try to hide nor justify sins.

When a person earnestly desires to seek God to confess his sins, God will be found (Psalm 32:6; James 4:8). Hence, we may talk to God about our sin anytime and should do it regularly through prayers (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

One who is forgiven will enjoy fellowship with God and be protected. Being in fellowship with Him means that God hides, preserves, surrounds, and delivers (Psalm 32:7). God is our protector (Psalm 91:2), refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), and deliverer (Psalm 18:2). Indeed, there is a great contrast between one who hides his sin and another who acknowledges and confesses his sin before God.

A person who is forgiven will allow God to instruct him. The forgiven person has humbled himself and allows the LORD to teach and guide him (Psalm 32:8; 25:9). He will follow God’s Word, gain understanding, and not be like the horse or mule which are stubborn (Psalm 32:9).

There is indeed great joy for one who has confessed his sins and is forgiven by God. He will not have sorrows like the wicked, and he trusts in the LORD (Psalm 32:10). He will also be surrounded by God’s mercy (Psalm 103:6-8).

There is no need to bear the burden of sin because God has provided the solution. The wicked will continue to have suffering and heaviness because such a person keeps quiet about his or her sin. However, the one who acknowledges his sin and confesses the sin before God in prayers will experience relief and joy. The forgiven person will not only continue to be in fellowship with God and allow God to instruct him, but also experience God’s mercy.

How blessed are the forgiven!