No More Backslidden

Text: Psalm 32

Introduction

The thirty-second Psalm is the second of seven penitential Psalms. In the penitential Psalm, the wayward saint finds his way back to God through godly sorrow for sin. Many OT commentators see Psalm 32 as a follow-up to Psalm 51. The Psalm begins with a declaration of blessedness (v. 1-2). The "blessed" state is one of happiness (a by-product of spiritual "happenings") and prosperity (productive advances in one's walk with God).

The psalmist includes a four-fold description of the enemy of blessedness. 1) "transgression forgiven"-- transgression signifies rebellion against authority. God removes these from our record. 2) "sin covered"--sin is missing the mark. "Covered" signifies that which is hidden from open view. The saint who refuses to cover his sin, opting rather to confess and forsake it, becomes the benefactor of a Divine cover-up. 3) "iniquity not imputed"--iniquity here is moral crookedness. This debt is not reckoned to the saint's account. 4) "spirit...no guile"--guile is deceitful insincerity. The guileless spirit deals honestly with God, his fellow man, and himself. Charles Spurgeon referred to transgression, sin, and iniquity as "the three-headed dog at Hell's gates."

Observations

I. The Condition of the Backslidden (v. 3-4)

David had "kept silence" indicating that his prayer life was shut down. Only confession could resurrect it! There are physical ("bones") and psychological ("roaring") tolls to be paid for sin and spiritual neglect. Thank God for His heavy hand of disapproval. The wicked know no such grace! The "drought" imposed by unconfessed sin signifies a barren and fruitless condition.

II. The Confession of the Forgiven (v. 5)

The phrases "unto thee" and "unto the Lord" convey a sense of sin's seriousness in terms of the One it has chiefly offended. The words "I will confess" ring with resolve. Enough silence! This is akin to the prodigal son, who said, "I will arise, and go to my father." The words "the iniquity (crookedness) of my sin (missing of the mark)" suggest a sort of double-jeopardy. Sin is always a complicated affair. Hiding it further distorts the life. Determination to hide nothing from God leads to victory!

III. The Confidence of the Hidden (v. 6-7)

The words "for this" reflect on forgiveness. The godly are not sin-free, but in the depths of their soul they desire to be! They seek out their God for this mercy! The Lord is their "hiding place." The concept of hiding sin is set in contrast to that of God hiding the saint. Is the choice not obvious?

IV. The Counsel of the Lord (v. 8-9)

God speaks back to David, and matches resolve with resolve--"I will" instruct, teach and guide! The Lord cannot be out-resolved! The phrase "with mine eye" suggests the ease with which God leads those who are predisposed to be lead. The admonition "Be not as the horse, or as the mule" is a warning against obstinance. In every man are carnal instincts that are averse to God. Do not allow them to rule! God has His own bits and bridles that may be applied at His pleasure.

Conclusion

David concludes his song the only way a forgiven and cleansed man can; by praising the Lord, and pitying the wicked. The wicked have many sorrows. Why? They have no capacity to deal with sin, the chief cause of sorrow. The upright in heart therefore have every reason to rejoice and shout!

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