Bible Study - Psalm 32 - Freedom

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Psalm 32 (Matt's paraphrase)

1 Blessed is the one whose proud and selfish ways are forgiven,
whose offenses, whose rebellious ways are removed, remembered no more.
2 Blessed is the one who the Lord forgives who disobeyed his will,
in whose heart is honest repentance, not taking advantage of God's mercy and grace.

3 I tried to hide my actions, cover up my shame,
but inside my conscience was tearing me apart in guilt and constant shame.
4 There was not a moment where I felt relief, my sin was always before me, God's spirit was laid heavy on my soul.
I was little use to anyone, unable to perform as I once could, guilt clouded my mind and I could not focus.


5 Finally, I submitted to your pressing, and I openly confessed my sins,
I laid everything bare, revealing the darkest parts of my soul, where my shame was greatest.

I came to my senses and said, "No more hiding! I will obey the Lord, and confess all my pride and selfishness."
You received my confession, and instead of judgement I was given mercy and grace. You washed away my guilt and shame and restored my soul.

6 We live in the blessed season of mercy and grace, were all who seek you will find you.

This season will not last forever, the waters of judgement are rising, but those who put their faith in you will rise above these waters, it will not reach them.

7 Now that I have confessed I can hide myself in your presence in peace,
I now have freedom where once I was in bondage because of my pride.
How strange it feels to be set-free from sin, how amazing the experience! I will declare it, this is my testimony of deliverance!

8 The Lord will teach me his ways and lead me on the right path
The Lord will instruct me because of his great love for me.
9 Do not get lost in your pride and selfishness
this makes you like an stubborn animal, lacking understanding
you will resist submission and be forced where you do not want to go.
10 This is the outcome of the proud and faithless, they heap upon themselves a great burden, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who put their faith in him.

11 Never forget the freedom you have found in God, the liberty that his forgiveness and grace brings to your heart. Declare your testimony to all who will listen and hear it and rejoice with you.