Today's Reading:

Psalm 32
Psalm 86
Psalm 102
Psalm 103
Psalm 122

Psalm 32 celebrates the joy and freedom that come when our sins are forgiven. It is a blessing that our sins are covered and that God does not want to keep a permanent record of them. God is not blessing our sin, but us. When we try to cover our sins ourselves, we only hide them and carry the heavy burden of guilt. But when God covers them, He does it through atonement, and He pays for them completely.

This is why every sin we commit is like a fresh strike to Jesus while He was on the cross. God gave us the greatest gift he could, His Son Jesus, who died for us to live. True blessings come from heartfelt confessions and true repentance. We must allow God to rule over every part of our lives (family, friends, job, health, finances, etc.), not just the parts we feel comfortable giving Him.

To be “blessed” is not winning the lottery or having everything we want. It is to have God’s approval, forgiveness, and nearness regardless of our circumstances. Blessed is walking in a close relationship with God. When our sins are forgiven and covered, they no longer count against us, and we get true freedom. Which area of your life feels heavy because of a past mistake or hidden sin? What would it look like today to stop covering it up yourself and instead to let God cover it through confession and repentance?

When we try to keep our sins secret or silent, thinking that God does not see, remember that He knows, He hears our thoughts, and understands our motives. Silence wears us down physically and emotionally. So, when we confess our sins, we are forgiven, and true happiness comes when our sins are forgiven. God will then protect us and surround us with people who lift us up and celebrate us. God loves those who are teachable and trust in Him.

 

Psalm 86
This psalm was a prayer from God’s servant wanting His protection and grace. It was a call for all nations to praise and worship Him. There is hope in God to triumph over idolatry. Asking Him to “Teach me Your ways, Lord.” The psalmist calls because God does answer, and there is no one like Him. He can be relied on for His faithfulness and love.

Psalm 102
This psalm was an individual plea for mercy, a lament in time of distress. The psalmist tells of his suffering, and how his heart and bones waste away (they are both the body and spirit). Through the pain, there is hope in the future and restoration of Zion. In this call of distress, there is a need for God to answer quickly.

Psalm 103
This was a call to celebrate God’s love and compassion. Not just with our souls, but all of our innermost being, the depths of our souls. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name (103:1). This psalm was about God’s character, and how He is compassionate, has mercy, and is gracious. It echoes the revelation of God’s name in Exodus 34:6-7. God does not repay us according to our sins. Like a father, He has compassion on his children, so does the Lord have compassion on those who fear Him. He remembers we are dust and only human. Even the angels obey His commands.

There is a powerful verse in 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” This is a beautiful picture of complete forgiveness. If you were to travel east, you would never start to go west; you can circle the earth and will always be going east. But, if you were to travel from north to south, once you reach the pole, you would eventually start to go north again, although east and west never meet. That is how much God has removed our sins; they will never meet.

Psalm 122
This is a song of ascent (from Psalms 120-134), when headed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. It gives joy and excitement at finally reaching the holy city after traveling. David was glad when others wanted to go worship and praise as well. He celebrated Jerusalem as the place where the tribes of Israel go up and give thanks to God, as the city is the center of worship and justice for God’s people. They pray for peace and prosperity.

Today's Discussion question: 

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