Friday, March 31, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Psalm 32

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.

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.

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.

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. (NRSV)

Reflection

I identify with the psalm writer’s internal conflict about hiding sins. When there’s something unresolved in my life, it weighs on me — it’s the last thing I think about before bed and is early in my consciousness the next morning. It’s hard to admit my failings out loud. And yet it’s equally hard to keep them inside. What’s worse?

What’s most amazing, though, is no matter what failing I present to God, I know it is forgiven. Forgiven more easily, in some ways, than I forgive myself (hence the wasted fretting in the night). God did the hard work of setting the stage for forgiveness by sending Jesus to take on our sins. My job is to accept God’s sacrifice by admitting those failings and asking forgiveness. And not only does God forgive my failings, God then becomes my teacher and protector — quite a switch from the anger and guilt that could be.

In this Lenten season, I remind myself that Jesus’ sacrifice, as difficult as it was, was freely given. And that the grace that flows from that is freely given as well. I trust that it will lead to a calmer soul.

Prayer

Holy God, in this Lenten season I reflect on the amazing gift of grace that you gave through Jesus. Help me to accept that grace and live it out in my life. Amen.

Written by Lisa Stracks, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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