Today’s reading is Psalm 32.
Most of us reading this Psalm have hopefully never been in a situation where we were trapped and the walls were caving in on top of us or that we carried something so heavy on our backs that we literally collapsed due to the weight while it lied on top of us. As I read Psalm 32 though, that is the picture I kept getting for what sin does to us. When we hold on to the guilt of our wrongdoings, the weight is too much to bear. It’s debilitating.
Psalm 32:3 reads…
For when I kept silent, my bones 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.
In contrast, Psalm 32:12 says…
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
This can only happen because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Isaiah 53:5 reads…
But He was pierced for our transgressions; He crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
The heaviest weight we can ever imagine, every past and future sin of mankind and every past and future sin that you and I have committed and will commit, was put on Him. The weight and burden was so heavy and painful that just even thinking about it caused Jesus to sweat blood in the garden (Luke 22:44). He knowingly and willing went to the cross for you and for me and took that pain so we could be forgiven. All we have to do is to admit our sin and ask for his forgiveness.
I acknowledge my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 32:5
If we read on, Psalm 32 says by confessing our sin God is “a hiding place” and He “preserves me from trouble.” Unlike Satan who whispers that you are terrible and that you aren’t deserving and can’t be forgiven, Psalm 32:7b says about God, “you surround me with shouts of deliverance.”
Satan whispers many sorrows, but with confession and trust in Him, God shouts, “you are free!!!”
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite songs which was released in the last few years.
Check it out.
