Didn't really understand the psalm when i first read in NIV version, only some verses that stood out, like vs 8, the Lord will guide us in our lives. Then when i read the NASB version with the study guide, things became clearer. Just to give you a background, this psalm was written by David, about the forgiveness of the Lord after he had sinned against God by committing adultery with bathsheba and murder uriah. (2 sam 11-12)
That's why he started in verse 1-2, expressing the forgiveness of the Lord. God wants to forgive us when we sin, because forgiveness has always been part of His loving nature. When He spoke to Moses (exo 34:7), to david, even to the world through Jesus Christ, He wants to forgive.
Sometimes we want to hide our sins from God and man, out of shame, pride, addiction, stubbornness... But when we keep silent about our sins, we are blocked from God and cannot experience true joy. God's hand will be upon us to convict us and bring light into darkness.
I was reminded of how i used to hide one of my sins, actually the "biggest" sin in my life, because i was so ashamed of it. I didnt want people to know about it, for fear of how they would see me. I confessed my sin to God, burnt the sin list and stopped sinning. But there was still darkness, because i was fearful of people knowing it, i have not been set free. Until God convicted me, and MADE me confess it to ms seah. God is really good, though pastor laifun and ms seah know about them, they never judge me. And what's more important is, i am totally set free and feel so light, because the fear is gone. Now i can experience true joy. =D
But some people are stubborn and refuse to let God deal with their sins and lives. Well, God loves us, and He loves us so much that He must use discipline and punishment to keep them us. But God really desires to guide us with love and wisdom instead. Like the case above, i refuse to share and confess my sin to ms seah, so God had to sent pain and discomfort into both our lives. HAHA. poor ms seah... we were SOOOO uncomfortable, we had to talk, and i had to confess my sin. But after that obedience to share, the journey to cut off the sin and shame was much easier, as God led me with His love.
It was raining so heavily this afternoon, and when i was in the toilet, suddenly there was a very VERY loud thunder which cracked like near the window. I was shocked and suddenly fearful... The voice of the Lord shakes the earth! even louder and more powerful than this! I was suddenly very fearful of God's punishment, like... the scenes i heard from the audio bible last year, screaming,shouting as the Lord send down punishment and judgement.
"Oh Lord, let me not be the one to go through the punishment and judgement of You.
Show me Your ways, that i may repent and go in Your guidance.
Cause me to be obedient, so that You do not have to destroy me. Amen."
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