One of our deepest core needs in life is forgiveness. Forgiveness from God and forgiveness from each other. We all mess up. And when there isn’t forgiveness, relationship is stopped. A very difficult thing in life is to be repentant and not be forgiven. To humble oneself and take responsibility, and not find the hand of mercy and grace for things to be restored.
In fact, this is THE question of many faiths in the world. Works-based faith tries to overcome sin and earn forgiveness through good deeds and being a good person. But forgiveness is still in the hands of the one hurt, and if there isn’t forgiveness, then it is all in vain. Literally. Good works will never earn forgiveness.
Forgiveness initiates when the one who has done wrong humbles themselves and repents to the one hurt. Forgiveness is made complete if and when the the hurt person extends that mercy and grace of forgiveness.
It’s why the cross is so important. The cross is the point of God’s forgiveness extended towards man. It’s where he has paid the penalty of the crimes and offered a switch. It was God, the harmed one, who first extends his arms of mercy and grace to offer us forgiveness if we will repent and turn to him, trusting in Christ’s forgiveness. Instead of us going to him, he first came to us, even though he was the one wronged.
So what does this have to do with Ps 32? Everything.
“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is the man the LORD does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!” (Ps 32:1-2).
This psalm is all about the agony of sin and the joy of being forgiven.
“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You took away the guilt of my sin” (Ps 32:5).
But there is a warning here. Don’t hard your heart but humble yourself before God.
“Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you” (Ps 32:9).
But for those who humble themselves and repent, there is great joy:
“Many pains come to the wicket but the one who trusts in the LORD will have faithful love surrounding him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart” (Ps 32:10-11).
When was the last time you literally shouted for joy knowing you are forgiven?
