The Joy of Forgiveness

“The Joy of Forgiveness”

I was baptized in Salt River when I was 13 years old. I remember all the church people standing on the banks of the river and singing, “Shall We Gather at the River”. I also remember riding in the car to my grandparents' house in wet clothes. I specifically remember running up the stairs to change into dry clothes, and I felt like I could fly. I think I only hit every third step as I ascended to the top floor. Why? Because I felt so free from sin and guilt! In that moment, I felt joy and happiness that still affects me today.

Is that just a silly recollection from a teenage boy, or is that what really happens when our sins are forgiven, and we are born again in Christ? The answer to that question can be found in the 32nd Psalm, a Psalm of King David.

Psalm 32:1-2 (NLT)
1  Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2  Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

Freedom from sin and guilt brings an amazing joy to our souls. But this freedom and joy come at the cost of our human pride. We must humble ourselves, confessing our sins before God, to find this freedom and joy. This does not come easy. This spiritual battle of the soul can also have a great impact on our physical being as well.

Psalm 32:3-4 (NLT)
3  When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.4  Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude

The spiritual war is real, and some will surrender to God in the war, and others will become so stiff-necked that they will never turn around and face God to find the joy of forgiveness.

Psalm 32:5 (NLT)
5  Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude

This is what true freedom looks like. This is where joy finds the depths of the human soul. To be forgiven and free from sin and guilt. To find peace with God.

This joy leaves us wondering why we didn’t confess our sins and cry out to God sooner. Why did we wait so long? That’s the final word today…why would anyone wait? Why would anyone carry this guilt and sin when Jesus is waiting with open arms to forgive and restore?

Psalm 32:6-7 (NLT)
6  Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. 7  For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude

Do it while there is still time because one day, time will run out. Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! And yes, you might even find climbing the stairs a lot easier in the future.

Terry Cooper: Lead Pastor