Psalm 32

Confession plays a pivotal role in the Christian’s life. It is that grand event that brings sin out of the darkness of deceit and into the light of life. The expressed, acknowledged sin has lost all its power to enslave. It has been revealed and judged as sin and can no longer hinder fellowship. Dietrich Bonhoeffer suggests that the final breakthrough to Christian fellowship occurs on the level of sin. That is, we have “fellowship” with one another because we share the reality of sin in our lives. No one is immune to sin. The fact is that we are sinners. But confession allows us to experience the grace of God, enjoy fellowship with each other as recipients of that grace, and undergo the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In short, confession begins the process of repentance and allows us to be transformed into the image of Christ.

Psalm 32 is listed among the so called Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). These psalms are confessions to God. Specifically, Ps 32 teaches the role of confession as that which leads to a repentant lifestyle. It is the first step in the healing process. The psalm begins with a statement of blessedness (vv. 1-2). “Blessed” may be loosely defined as “favorable in God’s eyes.” Thus, those whose sins are forgiven are favored by God. God smiles upon those who humbly admit their sin and turn to him for forgiveness and healing. David then describes the role of guilt in the confession-repentance process (vv. 3-4). He describes how keeping sin private and in the darkness led to an aching within him. This is not a physical aching but rather that which stems from a hurting soul. It is a deep sense of discontent. Guilt, if not confessed, eats away the inner-life. But upon confession guilt disappears and forgiveness reigns (v. 5). Guilt is not necessarily a bad thing. Granted, if it causes paralysis and stagnation in one’s spiritual life then guilt is one of Satan’s most effective tools. But if it causes us to be pro-active, leading to repentance and a changed lifestyle, guilt is one of God’s motivational tools. In short, guilt should not cause paralysis but rather should cause us to be pro-active, leading to confession and repentance.

David then exhorts us all to take advantage of confession as we pray to God (v. 6). He emphasizes the freewill involved in confession (v. 9). God does not force us to turn to him as one forces an animal with a bit and bridle. Instead, he encourages us to turn to him out of our own freewill and common sense. Confession is our response to God’s initiative of grace. God invites us to turn to him and we humbly accept his grace. The end result of confession is joyful fellowship (v. 11). Once again, through confession, sin looses all its power to erode our spirits.

We are encouraged to take advantage of confession. It is a gift of God that he allows us to pray to him (or to confess to our siblings in Christ). Confession is a good thing! It is the first step in the healing process. Proverbs 28:13 sums up the message of Ps 32: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”