November 28 2005 Psalm 32
November 28, 2005 Psalm 32
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Psalm 32:1-6 “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.”
I can’t remember where I read or first heard the phrase, “Confession is good for the soul.” It might have been some TV program or perhaps the nuns that taught me in elementary school. In any case, the phrase has stuck with me ever since. As I read the Psalter reading for today I was reminded of that phrase and all the guilt that would usually accompany my childhood transgressions.
I’m sure most of us can remember a time when as children we did something we were not supposed to do. Can you recall the knot you felt in the pit of your stomach? The nausea, or sick-to-your-stomach fear that gripped you, certain your parents would find out what you did. Normally, that fear and panic was enough for me. I’d find myself confessing to my parents before someone else could tell on me (I do have many younger siblings).
As adults, do we experience the same feelings when we sin against God or someone else? Do we come forward and readily confess? Or do we just presume that God is merciful and will forgive us, removing any sense of guilt or ill feelings we may experience and then go back to whatever we were doing?
The message of Christ remains good news to all humanity. Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection assure us that we can and will be forgiven by God. But we are expected to acknowledge our sin and change (repent). Perhaps it is my need for repentance that gives me butterflies even today when I sin.
Merciful Lord, you convict us of sin and you offer forgiveness. Change our hearts Lord, that knowing the grace you show us in Christ, we can change from who we are to who you would have us be. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Contributed by Rev. Andy O’Dowd
Click here for the podcast of this devotional!
Psalm 32:1-6 “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.”
I can’t remember where I read or first heard the phrase, “Confession is good for the soul.” It might have been some TV program or perhaps the nuns that taught me in elementary school. In any case, the phrase has stuck with me ever since. As I read the Psalter reading for today I was reminded of that phrase and all the guilt that would usually accompany my childhood transgressions.
I’m sure most of us can remember a time when as children we did something we were not supposed to do. Can you recall the knot you felt in the pit of your stomach? The nausea, or sick-to-your-stomach fear that gripped you, certain your parents would find out what you did. Normally, that fear and panic was enough for me. I’d find myself confessing to my parents before someone else could tell on me (I do have many younger siblings).
As adults, do we experience the same feelings when we sin against God or someone else? Do we come forward and readily confess? Or do we just presume that God is merciful and will forgive us, removing any sense of guilt or ill feelings we may experience and then go back to whatever we were doing?
The message of Christ remains good news to all humanity. Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection assure us that we can and will be forgiven by God. But we are expected to acknowledge our sin and change (repent). Perhaps it is my need for repentance that gives me butterflies even today when I sin.
Merciful Lord, you convict us of sin and you offer forgiveness. Change our hearts Lord, that knowing the grace you show us in Christ, we can change from who we are to who you would have us be. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Contributed by Rev. Andy O’Dowd
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