Daily Devotional – Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalms 32:1 (NKJV)
James had reached the end of his tether. He could not take the anguish and depression any longer. Overwhelming guilt had eaten into his conscience for a decade. Although no one knew the crimes he had committed, he decided to surrender to the police.
Ten years earlier, James had raped and killed a woman he had found jogging in the wounds. The police, family and friends could not trace the woman’s body because of the meticulous way the murderer had concealed it.
A Decade of Guilt and Anguish
James, a twenty-year old college student continued with his studies as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased continued searching desperately for her. As years passed and hope faded, they would hold annual vigils on her birthday.
James started having nightmares. His crimes would flash before him, leading to aguish and panic. He turned to alcohol, hard drugs and partying but his problem persisted. He later dropped out of college and became a homeless beggar.
There is No Peace for the Wicked
After a decade of fighting guilt in vain, James came to a dead end. Like the psalmist, he could confess, “When I kept silent, my bones grew old, through my groaning all the day long.” (Psalms 32:3). The Bible warns, “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22).
James walked into the nearest church and asked for the pastor. He poured out his heart to the man of God. He wanted peace with God. He longed for forgiveness from the family of the woman he had killed. The clergyman led the repentant criminal back to God’s forgiving presence.
I Acknowledged My Sin to You
As he left the church on the way to the police station, James could confess, “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalms 32:5).
James led the police to the spot where he had hidden the body. He later met the family of the deceased and asked for forgiveness. The judge sentenced him to life in prison. However, he was happy that he was no longer in the worst prison—slavery to guilt.
Blessed is He Whose Transgression is Forgiven
As he continues to pay for his sins in jail, James favourite Bible passage is, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalms 32:1-2).
Which one would you rather have? The joy of God’s forgiveness or the weight of guilt on your conscience? Here is a beautiful promise to quote if you find yourself in need of forgiveness and peace:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Loving Father, thank You because You are always ready to forgive those who heed Your call and repent.
What are the benefits of being forgiven by God and others? Please leave a comment.