Psalm 32: Confession and Forgiveness
JUST AS CHOLESTEROL is the silent killer of the physical heart, guilt is the silent killer of our souls. Cholesterol accumulates slowly over the years, residue left by a poor diet, inadequate exercise and perhaps genetic malfunction. So it is with guilt. Little by little, with each act of envy, lust, anger, resentment or other sin, guilt accumulates around our spiritual hearts. The good news is that God won't let us succumb to guilt without many warnings. The exposure of guilt is not for the purpose of condemnation (as it is with Satan) but for cleansing our hearts and restoring the flow of his love.
Warming Up to God
What is causing you to feel frustrated or envious or resentful today? Give your feelings over to God one by one.
Read Psalm 32. »
Discovering the Word
- Verses 1 and 2 begin with the word blessed. How would you define blessed from the way David uses it in these verses?
- David had a responsive conscience. How did his unexpressed sin affect him (vv. 3-4)?
- It feels good to be forgiven. How does David respond in verses 6-11?
- It is interesting that David experienced a sense of protection after receiving forgiveness (v. 7). How might unconfessed sin have made him feel vulnerable and exposed?
- In verses 8-9 David records the Lord's promise of guidance. From these verses, what is the condition of receiving God's guidance?
Applying the Word
- Consider whether there are things in the past for which you are guilty but have never sought forgiveness. Name those things.
- Are there things in the past for which you feel guilty but for which there was really no wrong done? Explain.
Responding in Prayer
Ask God's forgiveness for what you have done wrong, and experience his grace.
For Further Study
Extreme Forgiver by Bill Donahue & Keri Wyatt Kent