Psalm 32

0 Of David. A Maskil.
1  Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
  whose sin is covered.
2  Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
  and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3  While I kept silence, my body wasted away
  through my groaning all day long.
4  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
  my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5  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
6  Therefore let all who are faithful
  offer prayer to you;
 at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
  shall not reach them.
7  You are a hiding place for me;
  you preserve me from trouble;
  you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
8  I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9  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.
10  Many are the torments of the wicked,
  but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
11  Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
  and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Daily Prayer (based on Psalm 32:7)

Safe. That's how I feel when I'm hidden in You, Lord. Safe . . . protected . . . in You I can put down my fears, my defenses, my self-reliance. Safe . . . surrounded . . . surrounded by Your love. Safe . . . guarded by Your Grace. Safe. . . tucked away, like a treasure You want to keep for Yourself. Safe . . . secure for eternity, never having to worry that my sin will separate me from Your love. Safe, and therefore calm. In You I find rest for my soul. Safe, because You, Mighty God, are my Lord and Savior. Safe. Safe in You. Hallelujah! You are my hiding place. 

Postscript

"Rock of Ages" by August M. Toplady (1776)

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

(Note: Contemporary composer James Ward has taken these classic lyrics and given them a marvelous new melody. You can hear a clip from this website, where you can also purchase Ward's album.)

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Except for the Scripture text, all material of The Daily Psalm Copyright © 2006 by Mark D. Roberts

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The Scripture text used in The Daily Psalm is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved