Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Psalm 32 (NRSV)

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

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. Selah

Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.

Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

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Reflect

I love to watch the children at church sing a favorite Bible school song, “Oh, Happy Day.” It is an expression of pure joy as they come to the chorus with smiling faces, arms waving, and bodies jumping and spinning all while singing loudly, “Oh, happy day, happy day. You washed my sin away. Oh, happy day, happy day. I’ll never be the same! Forever I am changed!”

I imagine David felt that way as he wrote this psalm. He had sinned, and it was nagging at his heart. He couldn’t sleep and his thoughts were consumed with guilt about his wrongdoing. Finally, he confessed his sin before God. He was forgiven! His slate was wiped cleaned! David expressed his joy in this forgiveness…oh, happy day!!

Sin is a terrible thing and coupled with the guilt of the sin, it gnaws away at your very being. The burden of sin holds you captive and unable to enjoy the fullness of life as God intends. When you acknowledge the sin before God asking for forgiveness, God cleans the slate. God does not hold a record of your iniquities, but sets you free!

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Pray

God, we are not a perfect people. Sin enters our lives and because of that, we must confess our iniquities and lay them before you. Wipe our slates clean. Give us the freedom to rejoice in your forgiveness. Open our hearts so that we, too, can sing…oh, happy day! Amen.

Go with God.