Room for David, Room for Me
Scripture Reading — Psalm 32
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. . . . When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Some people are reluctant to join a church because they wonder if they’re “good enough” to belong. If you are a member of a church, would your fellowship let King David of Israel join? Why or why not? Would it make a difference if you didn’t know his ancestry? And what about his sinful past? Psalm 32 reveals David’s clear need to be forgiven. (See also Psalm 51.)
Many of us have been comforted and blessed by David’s words here. When we confess, burdens are lifted. When we make things right with God and one another, joy returns and life’s struggles become bearable. If we keep silent, trying to stuff our sin away, we find that our health, our attitude, and our relationships suffer. God may even use some drastic means to bring us around to confessing. As David learned, God may lean on us a little—and his hand is heavy!
Our relationships must begin with a healthy relationship with Jesus, God’s Son, who shows us how to relate to one another with unconditional love. This includes being part of a church and welcoming others into it. We all have to acknowledge the “I” problem at the center of sin. And when, like David, we confess our sins, we can rejoice in God’s grace and forgiveness. Have you done so?
Gracious God, forgive us for failing to realize the damage of unconfessed sin. Lean on us, forgive us, and help us to show your love, forgiveness, and welcome to others. In Christ, Amen.
About the author — George Vink
Pastor George Vink has served as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for more than 30 years in British Columbia, Montana, Michigan, and California. He and his wife, Shirley, have four married sons and nine grandchildren.
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