Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. (vv 1-2)
This psalm is one for the bookmarks, as it speaks God's loving nature in extending forgiveness to those who repent. As the Christian knows, He does not require sacrifices from us, nor demand that we clean ourselves up before He accepts us into His beloved family. Instead, God has already made provision, through Jesus Christ His Son, that whoever calls upon Him shall be saved (Romans 10: 11-13).
However, the psalmist acknowledges that each of us will sin, (as does the Apostle John in 1 John 1:8-10), and stresses the need to recognise this before God. The types of sin mentioned here are:
- transgression = rebellion
- sin = missing God's mark/way
- iniquity - moral depravity
- guile = deceit
The honest believer would acknowledge that sin appeals to the sensual part of us, which constantly battles against our inherited spiritual nature (Galatians 5:16-18); but those who would be triumphant and joyous in Christ are advised to confess their sins and receive His proffered forgiveness. While David failed to confess his transgressions, his body literally weakened from guilt and the disciplining hand of God on his life; but immediately he recognised his sin before the Lord, he was forgiven and restored. How wonderful to know that there is no sin too grievous for our Lord to forgive those who call on Him in truth.
The psalm also points out one of sin's major drawbacks: it hides us from the presence of the Lord (cf Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8-11) and sets us apart from His gracious guiding hand.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (v 8)
God has a purpose for every person, but as long as we are steeped in sinful ways, we cannot receive His direction. He has given us the Holy Spirit for this very reason - to reveal Christ and His ways to us. But the Holy Spirit, being God Himself, is grieved by sin, therefore, the Christian who would be guided by Him recognises this and keeps himself pure. The above verse makes us understand that God's intention is to guide us in the way of truth and righteousness (Psalm 23:3), and for as long as we heed Him, we will not stumble into the path of, or remain in sin. Christ has made us righteous before God, and He would keep us continuously so, if we are truthful to confess whatever sins we commit in thought or in deed.
If you have missed the mark, or there is hidden sin in your life, confess it before the Lord today, receive His forgiveness and joyfully go your way, knowing you are blessed and highly favoured!
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