The blessed person is a forgiven person. “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” (Ps. 32:1–2). This is the second Psalm to begin with “blessed.” The first time was in Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Ps. 1:1). There the blessed man is one who refuses to walk in the way of sinners. Here in Psalm 32 the blessed man is one who has walked in the way of sinners, yet has repented and finds forgiveness.
Before David’s repentance, his bones cried within him, and he lost sleep. Is there anything worse than shame, guilt, and conviction? Those feelings are a constant thorn to the conscience. Many try to find other sources to relieve themselves of past mistakes. They turn to substance abuse, bad relationships, or overworking. Anything to silence the torment of guilt.
But here is the answer in this instructional psalm: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him” (Psalm 32:5–6).
Acknowledge, uncover, and confess your sins to the Lord! And He will forgive, cover, and wipe clean the debt of sin!
I’m not sure there is anything more relieving than confessing your sins and receiving forgiveness. The word “blessed” means “happy.” What joy and happiness can be found in the grace of God!