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.
Selah
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.
Selah
Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Selah
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
(Psalm 32)
Here is a wonderful psalm upon which to meditate as we prepare our hearts for worship tomorrow on the third Sunday in Advent.
- David's exemplary faith teaches us not to hide our sins but rather to confess and acknowledge them to the God who knows all about them anyway, and who stands ever ready to forgive.
- We may take refuge in God, not only from the troubles that surround us, but also from the brokenness within us.
- The only impediment to a free and open relationship with God is our own stubborn refusal to deal honestly with him.
Let us open our hearts to God today and prepare them for Advent worship!
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