David’s Psalm 32 describes the experiences of a soul passing from the sorrows of conviction into the joys of salvation.
The Need of Salvation
Sin implied: “Transgression … sin … iniquity” (vv. 1-2). Three words describe three different phases of guilt. Those who want to be saved by God must face the question of sin. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way …” and Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God …”
Sin discovered: “For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer” (v. 4). He tried to keep silent, but the heavy hand of God made him “roar all day long.” It is hard to kick against the goads of God’s truth (Acts 9:5). The moisture of the natural man quickly dries up when the convicting breath of God’s word comes (2 Timothy 3:16).
Sin confessed: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee” (v. 5). As long as the prodigal son covered his sin, he did not prosper, but when he cried, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,” he found mercy (Luke 15:18). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins …” (1 John 1:9.).
Sin is forgiven: “Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (v. 5). Now he has entered into the blessedness of the man “whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” God’s forgiving grace goes deep down, taking all deceit out of the spirit (v. 2). It is not only forgiven, but it is renewed in the inner man.
The Blessedness of Salvation
Hidden: “Thou art my hiding place” (v 7). God, Himself becomes their refuge and hiding place. Hidden from the strife of the foolish and destructive tongues of men, and from the day of His wrath, against all ungodliness, your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
Taught: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go” (v. 8). The forgiven ones are to be all taught of God, who teaches saving from the ways of error and profiting both for this life and for the one to come. John said, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teaches you …” (1 John 2:27).
Guided: “I will guide thee with mine eye” (v. 8). This is a sweet promise for it implies that His eye is always on us for good, so that we may enjoy His fellowship. We are not to be guided like the untrained horse or stubborn mule with bit and bridle, but like obedient children who can understand the mind of God in the text of His word (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).
Guarded: “… but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about” (v. 10). Christians are compassed about with mercy and songs of deliverance (v. 7). The heart is protected with forgiving mercy and the heart is lifted by songs of triumph. What a contrast to the “tribulation and anguish” that surrounds the soul of the wicked (Romans 2:9).
Gladdened: “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice … shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (v. 11). In everything we accomplish, all the glory belongs to God. We are not immune from woes, but when they come they are surrounded by the love that never fails. Praise to our God!
Kyle Campbell
