Blogging the Psalms: Psalm 32

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit
(Psalm 32:1-2).

This psalm opens with this bold statement: We are blessed when the Lord forgives our sins and transgressions. This weekend, Christians have celebrated the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus—by which all our sins are covered and our transgressions are forgiven. Because “He who knew no sin became sin,” we can now, in Him, “become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21).

Those who have trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, who have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit, have been given the greatest blessing of all.

But sometimes I wonder—do I really see repentance as the blessing that it truly is?

I don’t always know. I’ve been sitting here thinking about this very question for a while and the one thing that keeps coming to my mind is pride.

Am I too prideful to see repentance as a good thing? Would I rather not just try to white-knuckle my way through life?

Here’s the thing though: I already know it doesn’t work. I spent the first 25 years of my life doing everything myself, consequences be damned. And when Jesus saved me (in the truest sense of the phrase), I saw that my life was turning into a train-wreck. My relationship with Emily was a mess. My finances were out of control due to my irresponsible spending habits.

But, that’s my temptation: To deceive myself into thinking I can do life on my own. That I don’t need Jesus.

Truly, it’s nothing but folly.

Without Jesus, I would not be married to Emily. Without Jesus, I’d probably be so far in debt that I’d never be able to climb out of the hole I’d dug. Without Jesus, I’d have no hope.

That’s why repentance is a blessing.

For other entries in this series, please visit the Blogging the Psalms page.

Posted by Aaron Armstrong

Aaron is the author of several books for adults and children, as well as multiple documentaries and Bible studies. His latest book, I'm a Christian—Now What?: A Guide to Your New Life with Christ is available now.