Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

Christ showed the goodness and blessing of God to the repentant thief on the cross before the watching world: “ Then he (the thief) said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”(Luke 23:42,43)

All of the ingredients we need to make it through the most difficult times of our lives are here in this psalm. This is how to survive a ‘crucifying experience.’

1. Praise the Lord generously! – “ Praise the Lord, for he has shown me his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. (21)

2. Cry out to him confidently! – “ In sudden fear I had cried out, ‘I have been cut off from the Lord!’ But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.”(22) The Lord is seldom early but he is never late! 3. Love him faithfully! – “ Love the Lord, all you faithful ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes all who are arrogant. “ (23) John the beloved stood faithfully by the cross while all others had fled in fear: “ When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, ‘ Woman, he is your son.’”(Jn. 19:26)

4. Hope in him courageously! – “ So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” (24) Let the weak say I am strong in the Lord!

PSALM 32: TRANSGRESSIONS FORGIVEN The Joy of Forgiveness

This psalm shows us God’s mercy in forgiving of our sins. It is foundational in Paul’s New Testa- ment presentation of justification by faith. David teaches us the pathway to salvation presenting the whole process of being made right with God.

I. CLEARED OF GUILT - (1,2) II. CONVICTION OF SIN - (3,4) III. CONFESSION OF SIN - (5,6) IV. CLEANSED FROM SIN - (5,6) V. COMMUNION WITH THE LORD - (7) VI. CONSECRATION TO HIS PATHWAY - (8,9) VII. CELEBRATION OF SALVATION - (10,11)

It is one of the Seven Penitential Psalms, prayers of repentance and sorrow for sin, that include Psalms 6, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143. The reason for its creation is undoubtedly the sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. It was most likely written after Psalm 51 and is a ful- fillment of David’s promise: “ Then I will teach transgressors your ways…”(Ps. 51:13 NIV)

INTRODUCTION :

“ Of David. A Maskil.”(NIV)

Maskil is the Hebrew word “to become wise, intelligent; to teach, instruct” 1 , and it is found in 13 different Psalms.

I. CLEARED OF GUILT - 1,2

“ Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (1,2; NIV)

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