Monday, June 21, 2010

What can make you happy?

I found an answer to this question in a classic song. According to the composer, to be happy or to be blessed is this..

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
~ Psalm 32:1,2

The composer had much to say in this area because he earned it through experience. For instance, this king committed adultery. He had all the power over his country, such that when he was enticed by a beautiful woman taking a shower in the neighborhood, he ordered for her to be brought to his palace. Then, he slept with her and accidentally made her pregnant.

To cover his transgression, he asked Uriah, the husband of this lady to go home and rest on his bed. But this noble folk didn't, since it would be unfair to the rest of the troop who were sacrificing in battle.

What King David did to settle the dilemma was to "set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die." And when he died, Bathsheba, his beautiful wife was widowed and became David's new wife.

King David was one of God's favored men. And as a mere mortal he sinned like all of us and worse, he covered up his shame with more sins. Although life moved on without his countrymen knowing what really went through, life didn't get any better for him.

To continue the song..

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
~ Psalm 32:3,4

Our deceitful ways may cover us for a while, but as we continue to deal with sin our own way, our being worsens. When sin creeps through the veins of our being, our sight of God blurs, our perspectives become crooked and soon we might just live a dead life. Usually, God allows us to struggle until our 'strength was sapped' in order for us to give up this faulty covering and go back to God. It was good that King David decided to repent and stop his cover-up when the prophet Nathan rebuked him.

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 ~ Psalm 32:5

When we cover our sins, we cover them literally. We hide our mistakes underneath this thick covering of our skin so we can save ourselves from humiliation and possibly delay the consequences. I believe in this covering process, we are unrest and are always on our toes. There is really no peace, only guilt. However once we "confess our transgressions to the Lord.." we let go of the cover. God then becomes our covering, through the blood of Jesus Christ, he takes away the blame, condemnation and eternal damnation meant for us.

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. ~ Psalm 32:6,7

As God's children, we'd still undergo some disciplining of course, and we won't be free from the consequences. One of King David's son died because of his transgression, another son rebelled against him, his daughter was raped by one of his other sons and this rapist was killed by another son. I know right?! Long winding sinful cycle.

Due to our sinful nature, we are predisposed to find happiness in the most stupid and wrong things in life. That's why we need His counsel and guidance. Fortunately, He said,

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. ~ Psalm 32:8

But wait, there's more! His unfailing love is given to those whose faith is in Him! (NOTE: He did not say the man who does not sin, but rather the man who trusts in him)

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. ~ Psalm 32:9

So now,

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! ~ Psalm 32:10

I guess the author's right, there's great joy in being FREEEEE from sin. So, if you're not yet free from this crazy cycle of sin, today is the day to let go of the covering. This is the day that the Lord has made! :)

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