"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience [rebellion] is forgiven, whose sin [whose falling short] is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt [moral crookedness], whose lives are lived in complete honesty [in whose spirit is no guile, cunning or insincerity]! ("People are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David spoke of this" (Rm 4:1-6).)

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, 'I will [come clean and] confess my rebellion to the Lord.' And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. 

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time [while you may be found, before extreme discipline becomes necessary – see 1Co 11:30], that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.' (God wants us to keep close to him willingly and freely. He is always our safest place.)

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him [the righteous who actively seek right standing with Him]! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

Three expressions for forgiveness are used here: (1) a burden lifted off our shoulders and taken away; (2) a covering and a hiding of our sin from God's sight (once it is dealt with and resolved); and (3) a debt cancelled by the Lord and removed from our record. How amazing is that!

When Sue and I read this Psalm together, what stood out to me was the joy that David's forgiveness brought him. He had refused to confess his sins, but when he did so he was immediately relieved of his unbearable burden of guilt and felt an inexpressible sense of joy. I seem to only have broken through to that on occasions. Why might that be? I felt God saying to me something along the lines of: "You have not refused to confess your sins, but your lingering belief in the lie that only what is perfect is acceptable, has, each time, renewed your determination to improve, rather than rejoice in your forgiveness. Stop rushing on to the next thing. Stop. Know that you are a forgiven person; that this is part of your identity in Christ. None of the accusations of the enemy can stick because you are covered by the blood of Jesus. All your sins: passed present and future are forgiven. Think about that. Meditate on that. Let it sink in and transform your sadness into joy!"

Although it is not certain that this Psalm reflects David's sin over Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite, the circumstances fit. David seems to have taken leave of his senses like the prodigal son. He saw a beautiful woman, made enquiries about her and was told she was married and that her husband was one of David's top 30 mighty men who were so loyal to him they would have died for him (1Ch 11:41). He knew precisely what he was choosing to do before it began. Afterwards he tried to hide his adultery, and when that failed, he arranged for Uriah to be killed by the enemy. It was after his child by Bathsheba was born, that Nathan confronted him. Psalm 32 tells of the transformation that came about through his repentance. How great is our God!