Daily Readings and Thought for January 15th. “BLESSED IS THE MAN AGAINST WHOM THE LORD COUNTS NO INIQUITY”

 Today’s Psalm 32 is one of the most meaningful and personal of all the Psalms.  Just 11 verses; it is a good one to memorize.  It commences, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man (or woman) against whom the LORD counts no iniquity”   Note also the significant added comment, “and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”   What David realises – there is a need to be totally honest with ourselves and with God if our sins are to be “covered” – that is blotted out – through the mercy and love of the LORD. 

This Psalm is structured in a fascinating way – in 4 parts.  The first 2 verses pinpoint the   “blessed” state of the one whose transgression the LORD forgives.  Then verses 3 to 7 is David’s personal petition as a sinner himself; times of total weakness; occasions of the agony of feeling separated from God – followed by the wonder of reconciliation. 

    This sequence of experiences results in David’s and our vision of the LORD as “a hiding place for me” – a place of protection that is only as real as the reality of our spiritual vision.  A vision that is more and more essential in today’s altogether evil world – an experience Noah achieved. 

Verses 6 & 7 are remarkable!  David receives a personal message from God, a reply as it were – and writes it down. God says, “I will instruct you … I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”  Do we sense God’s “eye” being upon us?  If we do not -“it will not stay near you.”  

     The final two verses sum up the situation and what the attitude should be of “the one who trusts in the LORD” and aims to be “upright in heart.” Get out your Bible and read these 11 verses slowly and reflectively, the four sections will be evident to you.   Think of what your life means to God – and what He means to you “and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”