Ps. 65: God's Provision

Psalm 65:13 "The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing."

The 65th Psalm praise the God of forgiveness and the God of creation. It continues the theme that every bit of what was created was created exactly on purpose, the way it was meant to be, and nothing was left to chance.

It is a wonderful, praiseworthy thing to be forgiven, especially by the Almighty. If he forgives you, what's stopping you from forgiving others?

Another rather striking idea is where the Psalmist writes that those far away fear God's wonders. Where those who follow God closely have no cause for alarm. God's wonders are a thing of beauty, of protection and provision, and of safety. Not so for those who wander far from God.

Everything that was created was created with a specific purpose. I love the language in the final 3 verses. It sounds as though some creation is decorated with other creation. God has an aesthetic. The fields are richly ornamented, well-dressed. Very interesting language.

Ps. 32: Blessing of Confessing

Psalm 32:5 "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

Forgiveness is a state of the heart that I often overlook. It is bondage to go unforgiven. It's no better to be the one withholding forgiveness. Both parties are bound to the burden of guilt and pain. It is a blessing, a great happiness to be free of those burdens, and that is how David sets the groundwork for the 32nd Psalm.

Forgiveness and to forgive are blessings. It is the point where one man's sin counts against him no longer. It just makes a person happy to know the burden has been lifted. The silence, the not confronting, the not appealing for forgiveness makes one feel like he is rotting away. It is agony! Long after the pain of the original offense has subsided, what's the reason to lug it around any longer? It's time to go in peace and live a life in peace and vindication! 

This silence may be comforting. It's hard to admit a wrong, its hard to presume to forgive someone who doesn't ask for it, though they may desperately want it. A result of momentary discomfort, the anxiety leading up the moment, in the end is completely worth it. David wants to sing! Go, ask for forgiveness! Give it! Don't let the burden sap your strength any longer. 

This is the attitude David had. David, who need forgiveness for a lot of things. He experienced how wonderful forgiveness, and I believe he truly wanted others to experience this forgiveness. So he calls on others to cry out to the LORD, and accept his perfect and holy forgiveness, so the mighty waters won't reach them. While he may be found. This suggests there won't always be time. So stop waiting.

Confession restores relationships. The forgiveness at these confessions are what kept David blameless, despite not being sinless.

Pope John Paul forgives his would-be assasin, Mehmet Ali Agca.