The Happiness of Forgiveness
Scripture Reading — Psalm 32:1-7
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Many people are plagued with guilt. They live as prisoners of sin, without peace in their souls. As a result, many people have sought refuge in false solutions, and their attempts to appease their feelings of guilt have failed miserably.
Some people try to escape this overwhelming feeling by going on adventures. Others try to numb themselves with alcohol or drugs, creating even deeper pain. Some try to calm their anguish with self-help philosophies and mystical experiences. But no ritual or exercise can alleviate a guilty conscience.
Only the blood of Jesus can blot out our sins and free us from the guilt of our wrongdoing. Only Jesus can break the bars of our prison and break our chains. Only Jesus can offer us true forgiveness and eternal happiness. Seeking forgiveness from another source is like trying to find water in a dried-up well.
The psalmist learned similarly that while he kept silent (not seeking God’s forgiveness), his “bones wasted away” and his “strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Only when he opened his heart to God and acknowledged his sin did he find healing for the affliction of his soul. For he found that God “forgave the guilt of [his] sin.”
Hallelujah!
Because of your mercies, O Lord, we are not consumed. Your forgiveness cancels the power of guilt and sin. We praise you, Lord, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Lopes
Hernandes became the Portuguese ministry leader for Today's sister Portuguese ministry in 2010. He also serves as the director of the organization Luz Para o Caminho (Light for the Way), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian
Church of Brazil. Hernandes has authored more than 160 books and is a popular and respected conference speaker in Brazil. Hernandes graduated from Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul in Brazil and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in
Jackson, MS.
Hernandes and his wife, Tinha, have two adult children.
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