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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!
Psalm 32:1-2 (HCSB)
Psalm 32 provides an insightful picture of what theologians call “the doctrine of imputation”. Even though I’ve heard that phrase multiple times in womenary classes, it still sounds foreign to my ears. It shouldn’t though; it’s a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith that points to the unearned righteousness given to us by God through Christ’s righteousness. In Romans 4:6-8 Paul cites the first two verses of Psalm 32 when he writes to the Roman believers about this glorious “imputed” righteousness.
I’ve also found great solace in Psalm 32 through the way David observed and recorded his struggle with, and resolution from sin. Within eleven verses we watch him move from the consequences of remaining silent about his sin, to confessing his sin, and then to receiving God’s gift of forgiveness.
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle
from my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was drained
as in the summer’s heat. Selah
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. Selah
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You
at a time that You may be found.
When great floodwaters come,
they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place;
You protect me from trouble.
You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 32:3-7 (HCSB)
David had learned during his spiritual journey how God works in the lives of those who love and seek him. He also knew of the rough road of those who resisted. Augustine most likely connected with these same principles because he identified Psalm 32 as his favorite. He read it frequently; and before he died, he had its words engraved on the walls by his sick bed so he could be exhorted and comforted by them.*
As I’ve meditated on this Psalm, I’ve noticed how it has influenced both my thinking and my prayers. I’ve asked the Lord to not let me linger in unconfessed sin; and to not let me behave like the mule or horse David mentions, needing a bit and bridle to bring me into obedience!
I will instruct you and show you the way to go;
with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
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.
Psalm 32:8-9 (HCSB)
This reference stirred specific youthful memories of saddles, blankets, bridles and bits. My sister and I discovered the horses in the pasture before our father, who had accepted them in repayment for a loan, could sell them at auction. Fortunately our pleas caused him to abandon his plan. I named my horse Lottie, a twin to my sister’s horse, Lady. What a foursome—two unbroken mares and two greenhorn girls. One of the many challenges we faced was learning how to get the bit into the horse’s mouth, and the bridle up and over its ears. Only after we’d secured the bridle and bit did we have the slightest hope of getting our horses to go where we wanted them to go.
David seemed to understand this same common trait of mankind—a tendency toward stubborn and rebellious ways. His insight also created a new prayer challenge for me. For endless months I’ve interceded for ones close to my heart. I’ve focused on the great gifts of God’s righteousness that have been given to them; the unconfessed sin in their lives; the heaviness of the Lord’s hand upon them; their dwindling strength; and their silence toward God as he seeks to instruct and teach them in the way they should go. Yet they continue to model that mule-and-horse-attitude even though God offers to be their hiding place, to counsel and to watch over them.
I now am feeling led to change my prayer focus. I’m asking the Lord to tenderly use a bit and bridle to lead them to Himself that they might know the joyful release of submitting to the undeserved righteousness David so beautifully describes in Psalm 32. Then the bit and bridle will no longer be needed.
Many pains come to the wicked,
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.
Psalm 32:10-11 (HCSB)
Lord, may they experience the satisfying safety and nurturing found in God as their hiding place and, like Augustine and me, come to choose Psalm 32 as one of their special Psalms.
*Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 19, Pg. 268.
Linda Lesniewski
Linda served as Women’s Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 24 years. She has authored "A Little Book About Knowing a Big God" for children; "Women at the Cross" and "Connecting Women: A Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministry", by Revell; as well as "His Story My Story", a digital download available from LifeWay. Linda enjoys spending time with her four young adult children and six granddaughters. She has served on the Womenary Board of Directors for many years.
You can contact Linda at lindalesniewski49@gmail.com.
