Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Devotion
Psalm 32 is known as a confessional psalm. It is the song of a man who is rejoicing in the assurance of restoration. This song opens with a burst of praise, which reveals the joy that comes from experiencing God’s forgiveness. All the Psalms teach us how to be honest with God. From this Psalm we will learn six principles in the art of confession. Today’s lesson teaches us that “blessed is the man who abandons self-deceit.” In verse two we read, “Blessed is the man…in whose spirit is no deceit.” In other words, blessed is the person who is not lying to themselves. So often we tell ourselves, “I don’t have a problem!” We also try to convince ourselves that our sin is not a big deal. Sin is a big deal because it negatively affects our relationship with God.
One of the greatest obstacles to confession is when we minimize, rationalize, or deny our sin problem. Paul writes, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are called to be honest with ourselves and with God. God already knows the depth of our sin. Confession is not for God’s benefit but ours! When we are completely honest with God, we can fully experience the joy that comes from being right with God!
Questions to Ponder:
Do you try to convince yourself you don’t have a sin problem? Do you minimize or rationalize your sin? Are you able to be completely open and honest with God? If not, why not?
Prayer Points
- Praise God that nothing will ever separate us from the love of Christ.
- Thank the LORD for always being His son/daughter.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart and mind to reveal any offensive way (any sin) in you. Sit quietly before Him and He will bring to your mind/heart things you need to confess. Tell Him you are sorry for that sin as you are reminded of it.
- Thank Him for His forgiveness and unfailing love.
- Ask Him to lead you out of temptation and deliver you from evil.
Suggested Prayer
Faithful Father in Heaven, thank You for being so gracious, merciful and kind. Thank You for the reminder that nothing can snatch us from Your Hand. Thank You that nothing, not even my sin, will change my relationship with You. Thank You for the reminder that I am a sinner and You are the Savior. I’m sorry that my sinful thoughts and actions break our communion.
Thank You for Your Provision. Thank You that as soon as I confess/agree about my sin You forgive me as far as the east is from the west. Thank You that in Psalm 32:1-2 You say, “Blessed is he…. blessed is he…” I am actually blessed when I come to You with my sin! Help me and Your church to keep short accounts with You LORD throughout the day and know that we are blessed when we do. Lead us on that straight path, give us clean hands and a pure heart. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.