Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 32

Psalm 32 is called a “Maskil of David.” A Maskil is something that gives instruction, teaches something. One might say that the entire Bible is a Maskil, for in it is the secret of how to live as a child of God. The topic of instruction in this psalm is sin. What can we learn from David in this psalm?

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

First of we see that the one who is blessed in this life, is the one who has found forgiveness for his sins. Christians and non-Christians alike, need to recognize the truth of their own sinfulness. And then to recognize that God can and does bring discipline into our lives to grow us in Christ.

Psalm 32:3-4
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

Preachers have stopped preaching this truth in fear of offending people. I believe their hearts are leading them to think that if they offend people then they won’t respond to the preaching of the Gospel. But the Bible does not teach that. It teaches the opposite. We have far too many “saved” people who have no idea what they are saved from.

David suffered because of his own sin by thinking he could cover it up. But even his physical body was worn down until he finally came clean in confession.

Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Not only do we see in this psalm the relief of confession and forgiveness, we also see that being in Christ brings even more.

Psalm 32:7
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

Jesus becomes our hiding place from our enemies. He delivers us from our sins.

Psalm 32:8-9
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.  Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Through His Holy Spirit, God teaches us and counsels us. We no longer need the psychology of man; the Holy Spirit becomes our counselor.

David reminds us that we need to seek Jesus now. There will come a day when it is too late.

Psalm 32:6
Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.

The final lesson of this psalm is simple. Trusting in Christ brings joy.

Psalm 32:10-11
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.  Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to examine all your ways. He will lead you away from all sin. He will not only impute the righteousness of Christ upon you, which seals your place in eternity, He will also guide you into true holiness as you walk this earth.