SOAP 05/08/2012; Psalm 32:3-5

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15,16; Psalms 32; Matthew 25      
S)" ³ When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.
Selah.

⁵ I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD';
And You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah."
     

Psalm 32:3-5 (NASB)

      

O) I was hesitant to include all 3 of these verses, because the one that really stood out to me was just verse 3, but I felt like the inclusion of 4 and 5 would keep some good perspective so this doesn't come out sounding like King David was depressed. This is actually quite the celebratory psalm, as David acknowledges his sin and the greatness of God's forgiveness. Verse 3, in particular, stood out because it's such a familiar feeling. When we, as children of God, hide our sins, it eats away at us. It's not because of some misguided guilt or shame, though, it's because we know that it's not who we truly are. We know that's not what we were made to be. It eats away at us because sin is death and  we know how life should feel.

     
A) Embracing verse 5 is really the most simple, clearest way to apply this passage. When I'm feeling downcast, when I feel like I'm wasting away in depression all day long, and at night my heart feels heavy, when I feel drained like from the heat of summer - this is when I need to stop and search my heart for the missed sin. I need to acknowledge my sin to God, uncover my iniquity. After I confess my transgression to the LORD, truly  repenting, He will forgive me. Then I will find rest when it seems elusive (see also Acts 3:19).

     

P) Father, forgive me of my sins. Even today, I can look back and rattle off so many errors I made. My sins are clear before me, LORD, but they are not who You've created me to be. They are now unnatural to my recreated self in You. Holy Spirit, help me reset my attitude and refresh me this evening. Give me peace and rest tonight. Tomorrow let me start my day walking in step with You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.