Summer in the PsalmsThe Penitential Psalms

What Regret Cannot DoPsalm 32

Theme

Admitting and dealing with

personal sin

is life’s hardest task,

but God’s provision

is sufficient for the battle.

“You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with

songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7

INTRODUCTION

Penitent: Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant. Example: "a penitent expression"

Synonyms: repentant, contrite, remorseful, sorry, apologetic, regretful, conscience-stricken, rueful, ashamed, shamefaced, abject, in sackcloth and ashes

What Happened to SIN and the CONSCIENCE?

You are my hiding place,

You always fill my heart

With songs of deliverance,

Whenever I am afraid

I will trust in You, I will trust in You

Let the weak say “I am strong

In the strength of the Lord”

I. The Penitent Comes Clean

1. The Blessings of Forgiveness

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 

2. The Burden of Personal Guilt

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 

3. The Broadcast of Confession

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. 

4. The Benefits of Candid Prayer

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

Theme

Admitting and dealing with

personal sin

is life’s hardest task,

but God’s provision

is sufficient for the battle.

II. The PenitentSends A Warning 

It’s a Fallen World — We always Need Protection

7 You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

• A place to go

• A personal protection 

The Lord’s Word to Those Facing Temptation

1. Your Needs [The Lord Speaks]

a. You need instruction – I will provide it

8a I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

b. You need direction – It is available from me

8b I will counsel you and

c. You need protection – I will be there for you

8c watch over you. 

2. Your Challenges [David Speaks Again]

a. You must recognize your ignorance

9a Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding

b. You must acknowledge your stubbornness

9b but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

c. You must realize YOUR temptations

10a Many are the woes of the wicked, 

3. Your Help [David Speaks]

a. The Lord’s love for you is real

10b but the LORD’s unfailing love

b. The Lord’s love is everywhere it is needed

Unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.

c. The Lord’s Love is worth appreciating and celebrating

11a Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! 

Theme

Admitting and dealing with

personal sin

is life’s hardest task,

but God’s provision

is sufficient for the battle.

The Challenge

Confess to the Father

Confess accurately and completely

Confirm forgiveness

LIVE in humility