Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

How does Psalm 32:11 encourage believers to find joy in God's presence despite life's challenges?

Psalm 32:10-11 says "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (NKJV). 

Psalm 32 is attributed to David. The psalmist was facing some distress arising from his iniquity. It appears that the writer initially failed to confess his transgression to God. He was possible trying to justify himself. In vv. 3-4, the writer reveals the impact of his disobedience. His bones grew old, an allegorical reference to heavy fatigue. He also admits that God's hand was heavy upon him. His vitality is metaphorically described as having turned into the drought of summer. This is evidence of the heavy burden of guilt that he carried. 

In v.5, the psalmist finally confessed his sin and God forgave Him. In vv.6-11, the psalmist summarizes the moral lessons drawn from his experience and proclaims that the covenant believer should seek the face of God in times of trouble. Notice the import of the simile in v.9 on a stubborn horse or mule. This is evidence of ungodly intransigence or stubbornness despite the conviction of sin. 

Now back to our question...

How does Psalm 32:11 encourage believers to find joy in God's presence despite life's challenges?

Psalm 32:11 says "Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (NKJV). 

When read in its passage context, the above text exhorts the covenant believer to develop an intimate relationship with God. This will compel the believer to turn to God at the earliest opportunity when they transgress God's law and seek for forgiveness and restoration. This is how true joy is ultimately experienced. 

Difficult circumstances of life, including moments of disobedience, should cause us to turn to God for rescue and preservation. God alone holds the answers to our challenges of life. Christ is the answer! 

The psalmist summarizes this truth in vv. 6-7 saying:

"For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
7 You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." (NKJV). 

In the New Testament Scripture, the Bible proclaims: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."

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