Psalm 32:1-11

God’s Forgiveness

Let’s read Psalm 32:1-2

1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Before we can understand the joy of forgiveness , we have to recognize the wrongs in our life. The wrongs include disobedience, dishonesty as well as our evil actions, thoughts, deeds and even our attitudes.

In Galatians we read it as sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

I have heard numerous times that there is no forgiveness like a mother’s love.

And I read this; a mother's forgiveness is a profound and powerful act, often characterized by deep empathy, understanding, and a willingness to move beyond hurt and disappointment. A mother may be more likely to forgive if she understands the circumstances surrounding the offense. Forgiveness takes time and may not happen immediately. Allowing both the mother and child the space to heal is essential.

But as loving and forgiving as our mothers are, there are limits to their forgiveness within time and circumstances.

But Jesus tells us different about His forgiveness.

Read Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Now read Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.

Jesus responds by saying that forgiveness should not be limited. Which means no matter how many times we sin against God, the blood of Jesus keeps flowing and flowing to cover us forever and ever.

Understand this when we sin there is penalty that must be paid. The only penalty for our sins is death. It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that God will wipe the slate clean, pardon us from our sin, and cancel the debt we owe.

I read this: Most scholars agree (that this psalm and Psalm 51), were responses to David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam. chapter 11). The guilt of it was a heavy burden, too heavy for him to bear, and the punishment of it is intolerable.

Forgiveness is a removal of sin, guilt, and punishment.

Read Acts 13:38 Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Forgiveness brings joy which brings peace in our lives. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

David felt joy because he understood how blessed he was to be forgiven and that joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Psalm 32:3-5

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Last week I spoke in Sunday school about the weight of sin and the physical affect it has on our body, mind, and soul.

David is telling us that the whole time he kept quiet, holding his sin in without confessing it to God his physical and mental health began to decline.

I share this: God would not allow him to remain comfortable in unconfessed sin. Sinful living brings only sorrow and pain. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, convicting the man of God of his hard heart. This is an important sign of those who truly belong to God.

The first step toward forgiveness from God is confessing our sins to God. But understand this, confession of sin does not earn forgiveness of our sins.

We must humble ourselves before God. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

By confessing of our sins we recognize God as the ultimate authority and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives.

Read 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Jesus told us what the truth is when He said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

By confessing our sins we acknowledge that we agree with God about our sins and that we need His forgiveness of our sins.

Let’s read Psalm 32:6-11

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

How many of us are procrastinators?

We read that Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks, even when doing so is likely to have negative consequences.

Davis is saying we need to seek forgiveness while it can still be found.

I share this: During the hundred and twenty years it took Noah to build the ark; God was waiting on the people to seek forgiveness. Until the very moment before the flood came, the people could have asked God to forgive them of their sin and God would have forgiven them and saved them from the flood. However, when the rain started coming down, it was too late. The judgement of God had already begun.

For many they will try to wait until Jesus appears in the sky, to believe. But by then it will be too late.

We read in verse nine;  Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

I read this: A horse, and especially a mule, does not mind very well unless there is a bit in their mouth to make them mind. If the bit and bridle were not on them, they would do whatever they wanted to do. Do not be lacking in understanding and have to be driven to do what is right. Don’t be stubborn as a mule.

God says, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Read Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God's eyes see everything, He knows what is best for us, He is able to watch over us and will guide our steps in life.

It starts with seeking…………….God’s Forgiveness