Tuesday, March 05, 2013

March 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch



Psalm 32
The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.
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.

Reflection

You, O Lord have brought joy to my heart.
   I came to you with a heavy heart.
For I have sinned and deserve your punishment,
   but you forgave me and saved me.

Your love is beyond what I can fathom.
   I repent and change my direction,
And you bring joy as I face you once again.
   Face to face I feel the warmth of your love.

Now, day by day and all throughout,
   I pray to you and seek your will.
For I am yours now and forever.
   Hear my shout of joy always.

Prayer
Lord; oh, how I feel the joy of your presence in my heart. When I change and turn to you... you change me and fill me with joy. Help me to follow in your will and your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

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