The Joy of Forgiveness

Commentary

This Psalm records the experiences that David went through as he faced his sins, confessed them, and received God’s forgiveness (vv. 1-2). He was a very miserable man after he seduced the wife of Uriah and arranged with Joab for his murder. Instead of facing the facts honestly David sought to hide his sin and, when that failed, to pretend that nothing was wrong. As long as he kept silent and refused to confess his sins, he was under the chastening hand of God. Sin and conscience sapped his physical strength. Instead of enjoying strength and “freshness,” he was dried up, weak and without enthusiasm (v. 3). He was living in a perpetual drought instead of enjoying the showers of God’s blessing (v. 4). This is one of the prices of concealing sin. As David continued to sin, his bones wasted away but his conscience continued to haunt him. He groaned every day from the weight of God’s heavy hand on him. He had all the symptoms of guilt. But he confessed his sins, acknowledged his transgressions, and experienced complete forgiveness (v. 5).

As long as David was out of God’s will, everything worked against him. But when he confessed his sins, he was restoredto fellowship with God, and he could rejoice. This does not mean that God would shel­ter him from difficulties. In fact, David had to face some real heartbreaking problems in the years that followed. The Lord promises to guide His children and in turn demands their compliance with His will (vv. 8-9). His grace forgives us of our sins when we confess them (I John 1:9) but we still must reap what we have sown. David progressed from sin to joy (vv. 10-11). Not only did he find relief in forgiveness but real joy in fellowship with the Lord.

Application

What many people think in confession of sin is only excusing sin and looking for a way to escape from the consequences. True confession of my sin must not just be with my lips but there also needs to be a broken heart (I John 1:9).