Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’, and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32: 1-6
My summer vacation to Idaho has come to an end, but summer itself is still flourishing. When Jeana and I left for our vacation, the hills through the Palouse were still a bit green. Now, the most predominant color is beige and brown. It is amazing what some intense heat and a few weeks can do.
Many people find it difficult to be extremely productive outside during the heat of day. When I painted houses during the summer months as a Seminary student, we would make additional allowances for the hot humid climate of the east coast. We would actually become less productive and exhausted if we did not allow time to rehydrate and rest for a few minutes.
In this Psalm, David is declaring that if you are silent and do not talk to God, it is as exhausting and draining as being outside working when it is 105 degrees. When we attempt to hide our sin from the Lord, it is just that: an attempt. It is futile, and exhausting. God already knows our sins. What He desires from us is the acknowledgement that we have sinned, and that we are in need of His forgiveness and restoration. God wants to keep us hydrated with His cool water, which restores our soul.
Although it is difficult and humbling to admit to our sins and confess them, it is the only way to experience God’s refreshing, freeing forgiveness. Forgiveness is that cold cup of water that literally restores our soul. So as we watch the mercury go up and down during these hot summer days, know that our conversations with, and commitment to the Lord helps us to stay spiritually cool. Cling to this truth as you try to keep cool during these hot summer days…
Prayer
Holy God,
Protect us from the excessive heat during these hot summer days. In the same way, protect us spiritually. Save us from ourselves, especially when we turn away from you, believing we can handle life and our sin without You. Remind us that You offer us the Living Water, Your Son. He is always ready to renew us, to forgive us, and to give us strength for the day. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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