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Today’s readings came from Psalms 32, 51, 86, and 122. Psalm 32 begins with this truth:

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity.” (vv. 1–2)

Happiness (being blessed) comes when one’s sins are forgiven. In the Old Testament, that forgiveness was experienced through faith expressed in obedience and making sacrifices to cover sin. In the New Testament, it is through faith in Jesus Christ, worshipping Him because of the sacrifice He made for us on the cross.

David then explains the misery one experiences when they try hiding sin:

“For 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 dried up as by the heat of summer.” (vv. 3–4)

When a child of God refuses to confess sin—just as David did with Bathsheba—the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit becomes heavy. But the good news is this:

“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (v. 5)

This verse aligns well with 1st John 1:9. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Walking in this rhythm of confession leads to true joy and peace, no matter the difficult circumstances we experience in life, because of the freedom we have in knowing we are in right relationship with God.

Though I originally planned to focus only on Psalm 32, I cannot leave out Psalm 51. After David was confronted over his sin with Bathsheba, he prayed:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (vv. 10–12)

This prayer complements Psalm 32 perfectly. David recognized he was born into sin, yet did not use that as an excuse, he humbly owned his own short-comings. He trusted in God’s power to transform him. He cried out in dependence, asking God to work within him. And God responded.

Takeaway: Humility is an integral characteristic of a maturing disciple. When we let go of the illusion of perfection and embrace our constant need for God, we position ourselves for true maturity in the Christian life. Knowledge without humility only produces Pharisees. But the humble, like the demoniac in the Gospels, can be transformed into a powerful witness who is used to advance God’s kingdom.