To read: Psalm 32
New Revised Standard Version Bible,Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body 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)
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Selah)
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. (Selah)
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
"I'm
sorry." For most of us, these are familiar words. It may be that someone has said them to us after a thoughtless comment that hurt us or after learning of some sorrow we hold. It may also be that we have said them ourselves, acknowledging the pain we have inflicted on others. For most Christians, the one person we have hopefully said them to is Jesus.
It is sometimes hard for us to confess our sins to God; we earnestly want to do God's will, yet as humans we sin. We feel guilty for that sin and repent of it with the words "I'm sorry." But here is where we come to a crossroad. We can continue to carry the sorrow and guilt with us, paralyzing us and the ministry we are called to do. Or we can leave those sins at the cross of Christ in humble appreciation, believing the words of the psalmist David when he says, "Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Christ's death and resurrection covers all our sins. Our heartfelt confession and belief that God forgives us free us from the guilt that stops us from being all that God created us to be. Instead, we can follow Christ with a truly joyful heart, knowing the peace and comfort that only Christ can give.
To pray:
Lord God, we are deeply sorry for all our sins, whether those sins are known by others or known only by you. Forgive us and help us move beyond our sins so that, with joyful hearts, we can proclaim your Word to others. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Northern Great Lakes Synod bookkeeper
Emanuel Lutheran Church, Skandia, Mich.