Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Fall: Violation of purpose of Creation
Psalms 32:1-11
Vs 2 - Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
What is my purpose? This is a question we have each considered amidst our struggles and lowest moments of life. Lord, why I am here? In Genesis when God creates man in His image, He intends to have fellowship with His creation. But very quickly, sin and deceit destroy that connection. We see God tries to reaffirm this relationship many times throughout the Bible. He wants to be our God and for us to be His people. He tries to seal this connection through the covenant with Abraham and then again through the Messiah.
Sin is Destructive
This Psalm 32 discusses the weight of sin. Sin breaks the connection between God and man because it separates us from His love. In Genesis, Adam and Eve hide from God out of shame and guilt. In Psalm 32, verses 3 and 4, it says “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Sin eats us up from the inside out. Guilt weighs on us and weakens us. We are no different from Adam and Eve—our sin can keep us from seeking God.
Repentance leads to Renewal
Though all people sin, the psalmist says there is redemption for those who repent. In verse 5, it says, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity”. From this open confession, the psalmist receives forgiveness. Rather than hiding, God is encouraging us to bring our sin to Him with a repentant heart. The Lord hopes that instead of hiding in our sin, we will choose Him to be our hiding place (Psalm 32:7) as He yearns to counsel us and watch over us (Psalm 32: 8) and keep us strong when the mighty waters of difficulties rise (Psalm 32:6). Read through Psalm 32—you will see the Psalmist’s weights are lifted and life looks different after repentance!
Our Attitude is Key
God seeks our hearts to be obedient out of love for His way, not just fear of judgment or compulsion towards the law. The psalmist says, “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” (Psalm 32:9) Our actions of confession should not be initiated simply once we get caught! Instead, God is yearning for the communication to be constant so that He can be your source of strength. Often, we fall into sin because we rely so strongly on our understanding rather than His.
Therefore, remember the Lord has created each of us with purpose indeed. Though we may fail and sin often, the Lord’s love is unfailing (Psalm 32:10). He seeks to fulfill the purpose of creation—a meaningful relationship with each one of us.
Sin is Destructive
This Psalm 32 discusses the weight of sin. Sin breaks the connection between God and man because it separates us from His love. In Genesis, Adam and Eve hide from God out of shame and guilt. In Psalm 32, verses 3 and 4, it says “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Sin eats us up from the inside out. Guilt weighs on us and weakens us. We are no different from Adam and Eve—our sin can keep us from seeking God.
Repentance leads to Renewal
Though all people sin, the psalmist says there is redemption for those who repent. In verse 5, it says, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity”. From this open confession, the psalmist receives forgiveness. Rather than hiding, God is encouraging us to bring our sin to Him with a repentant heart. The Lord hopes that instead of hiding in our sin, we will choose Him to be our hiding place (Psalm 32:7) as He yearns to counsel us and watch over us (Psalm 32: 8) and keep us strong when the mighty waters of difficulties rise (Psalm 32:6). Read through Psalm 32—you will see the Psalmist’s weights are lifted and life looks different after repentance!
Our Attitude is Key
God seeks our hearts to be obedient out of love for His way, not just fear of judgment or compulsion towards the law. The psalmist says, “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” (Psalm 32:9) Our actions of confession should not be initiated simply once we get caught! Instead, God is yearning for the communication to be constant so that He can be your source of strength. Often, we fall into sin because we rely so strongly on our understanding rather than His.
Therefore, remember the Lord has created each of us with purpose indeed. Though we may fail and sin often, the Lord’s love is unfailing (Psalm 32:10). He seeks to fulfill the purpose of creation—a meaningful relationship with each one of us.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to confess our sins before you and gain the confidence that comes from the redemption only you can provide. Help us to lean not on our own understanding but rather come to you amid our struggles and pain. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Instead of hiding in our sin remember, “You [God] are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)
Jocelyn Chacko, St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Jocelyn Chacko, St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church