Forgiveness
https://www.tiktok.com/@debrahillsings
A Psalm Of David, Maschil
[1] Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
[2] Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no guile.
[3] When I kept silence, my bones waxed old
Through my roaring all the day long.
[4] For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me:
My moisture is turned into the drought of summer.
Selah.
[5] 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.
[6] 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.
[7] Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
[8] I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye.
[9] Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding:
Whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
[10] Many sorrows shall be to the wicked:
But he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
[11] Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous:
And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Forgiveness
David begins this song with a grateful heart of a man who has experienced the forgiveness from God for his sins. No longer is he burdened with the distress from his past iniquities. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (32:1). He is cleansed by the Lord and blessed, having now no guile in his spirit (32:2). When David was silent, not repenting of his sin, the weight of the Lord was heavy on his conscience (32:3-4). Ultimately, he acknowledged his sin and came out from hiding from the Lord (32:5). He confessed and his iniquities were forgiven (32:5). David exclaims that all can pray for this forgiveness at a time when God can be found (32:6). “God will be found in times of trouble, in the face of floods” (32:6).
David adds that God continues to be his hiding place, preserving him from trouble (32:7). God will surround him with songs of deliverance. In verse 8, David switches to writing what the Lord says to him, giving him assurance that he will direct his path to keep him from falling. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” In this Psalm, David is showing the amazing grace, mercy and forgiveness God bestows upon a repentant soul. He forgives, protects and teaches us and restores us to himself. David warns us not to be like the horse who is stubborn and untrainable (32:9). “And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (32:11).
Psalm 32 is a beautiful example of the way God forgives us. When we return to Him with a contrite spirit, he speedily responds with tender mercy and grace. Like the father who welcomed home his prodigal son, God opens His arms to us, returning us back to His loving care and protection. Our part is to love him in return, being obedient to His word and direction for our lives. What an amazing example of forgiveness is demonstrated by God. I stand in awe of this amazing God we serve.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Elizabeth Expands
Maschil is a word we have not seen yet in the psalms, so it quickly grabbed our attention. There are debated interpretations, but the most common I could find was that, “It denotes a song enforcing some lesson of wisdom or piety” (https://www.kingjamesbibledictionary.com/Dictionary/Maschil).
In my mind, I interpret this as a warning before the song begins. “Listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you,” says the Psalmist with “Maschil” before diving into the song. And what could be more important than discussing the honest consequences of sin, and the endless love and forgiveness of our God? Some scholars believe this Psalm was written after David’s sin with Bathsheba (2nd Samuel 11-12). It was a grave mistake with grave consequences, but God forgave David and he was reconciled. In light of this, listen carefully to what David says in this psalm and learn about our amazing God (Psalm 103:8).
Meet Elizabeth Baber
Elizabeth Baber is the latest addition to the Debra Hill Sings team, working as the head Virtual Assistant for the wonderful woman herself. Elizabeth would identify as an author(ess), spreadsheet fanatic, and all-around geek. The majority of her time is spent serving Central Virginia’s low-vision patients as a technician with the MedRVA Foundation.
When not at work, she can be found cooking with her fiancé, coaching Teen Bible Quizzing, wrestling novel ideas, running an online Dungeons and Dragons server, or trying her hand at one of a hundred rotating crafting hobbies.
Some of her work can be found on her website: www.writingonwords.com and you can contact her at elizabeth@writingonwords.com.
The Psalms In Your Palm Weekly Series
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
The Psalms In Your Palm Playlist
Each song is paired with a Sunday Psalm and reflection, blending scripture and sound to inspire peace, understanding and connection.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
