Show Don't Tell: Psalm 32

Instead of saying "Confession brings forgiveness and joy," feel the bones wasting. "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit." Three words for sin, three words for its removal: forgiven, covered, not counted. "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." Unconfessed sin as physical deterioration—bones dissolving, strength evaporating. "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.' And you forgave the guilt of my sin." Acknowledged, not covered, confessed—and immediately forgiven. "Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Surrounded not by enemies but by songs. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle." Learn willingly, not by force. "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him."