FEBRUARY 13
Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven.”
It is commonly believed that Psalm 32 follows David’s profound confession in Psalm 51. After committing grave sins—adultery and murder—and attempting to cover them up, David found himself in turmoil. Only after confessing his sins to God did he experience the blessings described in this psalm.
We all sin, and it is up to us whether we try to hide, deny, or ignore it—or whether we bring it before God in confession. There is a temptation to conceal our wrongdoings, but that will never cleanse us. As Charles Spurgeon wisely said, “While we smother our sin, it rages within, swelling like a gathering wound, tormenting us horribly.” In his attempt to cover his sins, David sacrificed his health and vitality (Psalm 32:3-4).
David, however, eventually chose to confess his sin (Psalm 32:5), and with that confession came forgiveness. To confess is to agree with God about the gravity and vileness of our sin. The Greek word for “confess” in 1 John 1:9 literally means “to say the same thing.” In sinning, we ignored God’s truth. In confession, we humbly and heartily agree with God about the wrongness of our actions and align ourselves with His righteous judgment.
Confession leads to freedom. When we confess, iniquity is covered, guilt is absolved, hope is restored, and vitality is renewed. The prodigal son returned to his father’s embrace and a joyous celebration. Similarly, confession is met with the abundant mercy and forgiveness of God. There is a blessedness in forgiveness that can only come from Him.
“Pardoning mercy is of all things in the world most to be prized, for it is the only and sure way to happiness.” – Charles Spurgeon
Application Questions: What are some of the wrong ways of dealing with sin? What does it mean to confess your sin? Do you have any sin that you need even now to confess to God? Do so, keeping the promise of 1 John 1:9 in mind.
LookingtoJesus 
Hi Pr.Conklin,
I appreciate your word. Lots of fond memories when I recall our L&C Bible Church memories from 30+ years ago. I’d also appreciate your prayers as I continue to struggle with “coming clean” from so much of the same sin so many years later.
“To confess is to agree with God about the gravity and vileness of our sin”—a very timely word for me. And one that needs much more thought and much more action.
Thank you for your insights & encouragement.
— Mel (Melvin) Kessler
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Thanks for reading. I’ve very fond memories of those days too. I love Romans 7:24, where Paul speaks both of his pernicious struggle with sin, and of the triumphant deliverance we experience in Christ. In his old age John Newton said that he’d forgotten many things, but two things he remembered. I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior. The very fact that you’ve reached out speaks to the reality of the Spirits work inside you to convict and change you. I’m praying for you in that🙂 God bless!
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