The Joy of Forgiveness

A Psalm of David. A Contemplation.^[a]

32 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,Whose sin is covered.² Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

³ When I kept silent, my bones grew oldThrough my groaning all the day long.⁴ For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah⁵ I acknowledged my sin to You,And my iniquity I have not hidden.I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

⁶ For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to YouIn a time when You may be found;Surely in a flood of great watersThey shall not come near him.⁷ You are my hiding place;You shall preserve me from trouble;You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will guide you with My eye.⁹ Do not be like the horse or like the mule,Which have no understanding,Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,Else they will not come near you.

¹⁰ Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.¹¹ Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!