Psalm 32  Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 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 sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

The Lord is our hiding place. We can confess our sins and be sure of the forgiveness we have because of what Jesus did for us in coming to be our Savior, taking our place in punishment, offering His life for all people, so that everyone who believes in Him will have forgiveness and eternal life. And that is why the righteous can sing.

It is important for believers to gather together to rejoice in the Lord and be glad. Part of our heritage when we gather together to worship is to confess our sins and hear God’s absolution, God’s forgiveness, announced to us. In fact, part of the liturgy in our confession of sins comes from this Psalm.

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

What a joy and privilege we have to gather in worship, be reminded of God’s goodness to us, hear His Word that assures us of His grace and mercy, and offer our thanks and praise to Him.