READING: Psalms 32-35
The psalmist knew that God is the divine Warrior, the one who is our “help and our shield” (Psalm 33:20), the Lord who will “take up shield and armor” and come to our aid (Psalm 35:2). While the world thinks they will win battles by their might, the biblical teaching is that “no king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength” (Psalm 33:16). Only God protects and rescues us from the lions that want to destroy us.
Yet, not only is God the one who fights for us, He is also the one who chooses to forgive us when He would be justified in fighting against us. The psalmist knew this truth as well. David certainly knew the anguish of his sin, his “groaning all day long” under the weight of his strong conviction and God’s heavy hand (Psalm 32:3-4). When David acknowledged his sin, though, God forgave him (that is, He “carried away” David’s sin), covered his sin (He hid it under His blood), and did not count his sin against him (He took care of the debt David owed because of his sin; Psalm 32:1-2). In fact, conviction and guilt consume us in our sin, but God becomes our “hiding place” (Psalm 32:7) when we pray to Him. His grace should lead to our rejoicing and singing, lifting His praises “all day long” (Psalm 35:28).
Thus, the person who receives God’s forgiveness ought to be happy indeed, exchanging his groaning all day long under conviction for his singing all day long under grace.
The divine Warrior is also our divine Savior — the Redeemer who surrounds us with “songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). So, rejoice. Be glad. Sing. Glorify the Lord today.
ACTION STEPS:
- If you’re groaning under the weight of your sin, confess it to God and receive His forgiveness.
- Thank Him for carrying away your sin, covering it, and not counting it against you.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for Your grace. I cry out to You, trusting You to hear my prayers. Help me to sing all day long."
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 36-39
