Steadfast Love Surrounds Those Who Trust in God

This meditation is based on a passage for March 27, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 32

Reflection and Question: When the psalmist here speaks of keeping silent, he or she is referring specifically to silence about sin or transgression against God. That silence brings groaning, weakness and a feeling of God’s heavy hand. It makes sense, then, that confession of sin is the doorway into what the poet here calls “a hiding place for me,” and what I would call God’s loving embrace. In contrast to the oppressive tone when sin lingers, the spirit after confession and forgiveness is marked with love, gladness, rejoicing and joy. What do you experience after you confess your sins to God?

Prayer: Most merciful God, we open our hearts to Your instruction so that we may walk in Your ways. We acknowledge all the times we have strayed and sinned against You. Forgive the guilt of our sin, we pray. Surround us with deliverance. Amen.