August 12: “How to Get Rid Of Guilt and Get Your Happiness Back”

3 Minute Read + Scripture readings

TODAY’S BIBLE READING:

Nehemiah 3:15–5:13
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 21:5-7

TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 32:1-2 (CSB) “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit!”

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 32 is a ruggedly transparent Psalm. And because this is the case, it is incredibly beneficial to us!

Verses 1 and 2 (our Verses for Today) talk about the happiness that is to be enjoyed by someone who is forgiven. The clear implication is that a grievous sin has been committed.

When we read verses 3-5, we hear words filled with emotion. The Psalmist informs us of what it is like to live with unconfessed, unresolved sin. He knows that what he has done is wrong but he hasn’t yet made it right. And it is eating him up on the inside. He is guilt-ridden. His conscience is lighting up the dashboard of his heart. His mind is warning him that the problem needs to be remedied.

Verse 5, however, tells us how it was resolved.

Psalm 32:5 (CSB): “Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

It has rightfully been said that “confession is good for the soul.”

We know this all too well. We understand what it is like to wrestle with the pangs of guilt. We also know what it is like for the weight to be lifted when we admit and confess our sin.

Once again, we realize that God’s ways are best. When He tells us to obey His commands, it is for our own good. And when He calls us to confess our disobedience and to make it right, it is also for our good.

1 John 1:9 (CSB): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So, friend, is there anything that you need to make right with God? With someone else? Why not commit today to resolve that issue so that you can join the Psalmist and get your clean conscience and happiness back.

Psalm 32:11 (CSB): “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”