“Songs of Deliverance”

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)

The 32nd Psalm is ascribed to be a Psalm of David. It is rightly grouped together with Psalm 51. However, because of its didactic form, it is called a Psalm of contemplation or instruction.

The Psalm begins with a proposition - the blessedness of the one who is forgiven of sin. To clearly establish his point, the Psalmist speaks of the distress and misery caused by hidden, unconfessed sin. (Vs. 3,4)

The road to relief is clearly stated. When the sin is acknowledged and confessed there is forgiveness. This requires one to state specifically what God already knows – that his law has been broken. No excuses – one must frankly call the violation by its ugly name.

For full pardon, such an acknowledgment must be coupled with a determination to cease from the transgression. Having experienced God‘s grace, David would counsel the impenitent to consider the joyful blessings of such a confession.

Having acknowledged his own sin, the Psalmist states the fruit of such confession. Marvelous thoughts of God flood his mind. The remorse that once consumed him is replaced by songs of deliverance! “Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it. Redeemed by the blood of the lamb“.

Additionally, the penitent Psalmist has renewed thoughts of God. God is his hiding place. There is blessedness here! There is new freedom, a new joy in God, new ties of love. The burden is lifted!

With renewed confidence, David is ready to declare these marvelous truths to others. He bids us to not be like the obstinate horse that must be bridled, but to lay bare our own transgressions against God, and then rejoice in God‘s mercy. (Vs.10,11)

Dear reader, is there a song of joy in your heart, or is there the remorse of a life broken by sin? “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
 
By George Slover

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