Thank You LORD for blessing us with forgiveness.

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 32:1, NIV- “Of David. A maskil. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”

Do you know what a maskil is? A quick Google search lets us know that while its precise meaning is not known for certain, its purpose is clearly to teach and guide the reader toward spiritual insight. Biblehub.com puts it this way: “Maskil” is a Hebrew term that identifies psalms with special emphasis on imparting wisdom and guiding believers in reflection.

Where we see the word maskil in the thirteen different Psalms we should be focused on what we are to learn as we meditate on these words. Bible Hub also added the context for today’s Psalm 32: “the maskil teaches about the blessing of confession and forgiveness. The verses contrast the misery of unconfessed sin with the joy of God’s forgiveness, serving as a powerful lesson for the reader.”

We do find Psalm 32:5 to be true “I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (NKJV) When we acknowledge, admit, or confess our sins to the LORD, we do find forgiveness.

Our sins, addictions, and compulsive behaviors are a heavy load to carry. As David said in Psalm 32:4, “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah” (ESV) Are you tired of carrying or attempting to pretend your sins are not there?

In my own life I did not find freedom until I confessed that I was an alcoholic. For many years I did not believe that I had a drinking problem, much less a disease. I thought I simply enjoyed drinking. When I began lying and hiding my addiction I knew in my heart I had a problem. But after my last drunken binge eighteen years ago I finally confessed to God, a friend, and my family that I was an alcoholic and that I did not know what to do.

I found the truth of Psalm 32:7 that “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah” (NKJV) I no longer felt the weight of hiding my addiction. I gave it to God and hid in Him.

I had learned the hard way what I now know all twelve-step programs teach us. The first step in recovery is to acknowledge, admit, or confess whatever we are powerless over whether they are addictions, brokenness, sinful patterns, compulsive behaviors, or any other sins. We must also come to the realization and confess that our lives have become unmanageable.

The second step in most twelve-step programs is to come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. Faith-based twelve-step programs  instruct us to believe that God is the power that will restore us in the person of Jesus Christ. We find sanity in God’s steps as promised in Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (NKJV)

When we confess to and trust God, He teaches us the way we should go. His Holy Scriptures and Spirit continue to teach us every day and in every way. Will you confess your need for God’s direction and restoration?

Today’s Prayer: Father God, we rejoice in Your name. Thank You LORD for Your unfailing love that surrounds us when we trust in You. Thank You for instructing us and teaching us in the way we should go. Thank You heavenly Father for forgiving and protecting us when we confess to You. Thank You for hearing our prayers and the prayers of those who pray for us to confess. We are praying now for those You impress upon our hearts. Amen.