Psalm 32:1-5 – An appeal for a right relationship with God

Second Samuel 12:1-14 record for us how the Prophet Nathan confronted David concerning his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. His adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his faithful soldier was his first mistake. His second was when he realized that she was pregnant, he schemed to make it appear as if the child she was carrying was Uriah’s. So he summoned for him from the battle front and engineered for him to have intimacy with his wife. But the faithful Uriah refused to entertain himself because his heart was with his fellow soldiers at the battle front. This intention to deceive was definitely wrong. Then when his attempt at that failed, he schemed and sent Uriah to the battle front and had him murdered. This was his third wrong because Uriah was ultimately murdered by him, though indirectly. Nathan wisely revealed his sins through a well-structured, well-told parable.

David did not deny his wrong but honestly admitted when confronted with his evil deeds. His honest admission then led to his confession before the Lord. Psalms 32 and 51 are about his confession to God. He wrote both the Psalms, which complement each other. In Psalms 51 David sought for forgiveness from the Lord. Like David, we must see that any sin committed against anyone is first and foremost an offence against the Lord. So he confessed his wrong to the Lord in Psalm 51. But in Psalm 32, he chronicled the confession he made, the forgiveness he felt and the blessings that followed. Both Psalms are “Maschil Psalms” meaning it was written to give instruction. “Maschil Psalms” are teaching Psalms. As such we must carefully reflect on it and diligently heed and apply the lessons gleaned from it. David wants us to know how blessed it really is when there is no blemish in our relationship with God, because all our sins are forgiven.  In our reflection here, we will focus on the first five verses of Psalm 32.

David began by defining what he meant by being in the state of blessedness. As far as he was concerned, blessedness is found in one’s right relationship with the Lord. It is when we are blameless in the eyes of God. We see four words used to describe sin. They are: transgression, sin, iniquity and guile. Transgression is to overstep the allowable bound. Sin is falling short of God’s standard. Iniquity is failing to do what is right. And guile is deceit. It is projecting a false front. David said that when these different dimensions of sin are dealt with and forgiven, then can we be found in a state of blessedness.    

In verses 3-4, David tells us what would happen when one refuses to deal with sins he knew in his life. Sin always affect a person spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. David felt spiritual dryness and couldn’t relate rightly with God, whose hand was heavy upon him. Mentally, he was full of anguish and had to groan all day long till he felt emotionally drained. Physically, he was listless and weary and sapped of energy. Realizing his foolishness after Nathan’s confrontation, he was led to deal with his sins. He not only recognized his sin but also acknowledged them and was honest with the Lord. And God graciously forgave him. We know that David of course paid heavily for his sin. While forgiveness can be granted, the consequence of sin will be meted out. The effect will be felt so that it will be a lasting monument to remind us that sin always exact a costly price.

Psalm 32:1-5 constitute a call to avoid sin in life. Knowing that our fallen human tendency would time and again gravitate to the path of least resistance, we will fall and stumble in our journey. But these should be fewer and far in between as we progress in our relationship with God. Remember that no true believer starts out with intention to sin. But along life’s journey, we can over-estimate our own capability, and in our unguarded moment, yield to temptation. So here are three verses to tug in our hearts to get us back on the spiritual track:

1. 1 Corinthians 10:12 - “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”                                
2. 1 John 2:1-2 - “…And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins….”
3. 1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace, and His forgiveness!