"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." (Psalm 32:1-11)

          This psalm should be studied along with Psalm 51. Psalm 51 is David's prayer for forgiveness for his sin with Bathsheba. In Psalm 51 David promised, "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." (Psalms 51:13) Here David teaches us of the joy and blessing of God's forgiveness. Sadly, many in the world miss so much because they do not know or understand God's forgiveness. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." (Psalms 32:1) God is a holy God. He hates sin with an infinite hatred. (Habakkuk 1:13) He will not overlook the smallest sin, but He also stands ready to pardon the vilest sinner. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)

          Teaching the joy of forgiveness -- Psalm 32:1-7: David said, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." (Psalms 32:1) We are blessed as we walk according to God's word. (Psalm 1) We are likewise blessed when God forgives our sins. (Psalm 32) It would be much better to be blessed because we are righteous. (Psalm 1) However, we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23) When we come to Psalm 32 we learn that even though we have sinned we can still be blessed because of forgiveness that is available though God's grace. God is willing to forgive sins and wipe them away. We must openly come to God for forgiveness without trying to hide our sins. Blessed is the man "in whose spirit there is no guile." True happiness comes only through peace with God. The guilt of sin brought David much misery. He was humbled and brought to his knees. He confessed his wrong and asked God for forgiveness. God forgave David and then he was able to focus on his worship and to feel the joy of God's protection. David said to God, "You are my hiding place! You protect me from trouble, and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me."

          Instructions from the Lord concerning forgiveness --Psalm 32:8-9: The Lord Himself adds some words to the instruction. He said, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee." (Psalms 32:8-9) We have been forgiven so we must not go back to sinful living. God promised guidance for our life if we are willing to follow. He said, (1) I will instruct you, (2) I will teach you in the way that you shall go, and (3) I will guide thee with my eye. God promised that His eye would be upon the forgiven, watching over them and directing their way. God encouraged us not to be dumb like horses and mules. They are "controlled by bit and bridle" and led with ropes to make them obey. Let us choose to be obedient to our Maker. We must lovingly follow the instruction and counsel of God.

          Praising God for His unfailing love -- Psalm 32:10-11: If you have been granted forgiveness of sins praise the Lord for this great blessing. The wicked have many woes and troubles. In contrast to that the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him. All kinds of troubles will strike the wicked, but God's kindness shields those who trust in Him. Following the instructions of the Lord is a very wise thing to do. God has given us the power of choice. We can choose the troubles that come to the wicked or we can choose the blessing that come from God's mercy and love. David concluded the psalm with an exhortation to praise the Lord for His forgiveness. "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." (Psalms 32:11) The exhortation is to the righteous, those who are in the Lord, to rejoice. The people were exhorted to be glad, rejoice, and to shout for joy. Forgiveness of sin is something to rejoice over and something for which we should praise the Lord.