psalm

A David Psalm

32 
Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—

you get a fresh start,

your slate’s wiped clean.

Count yourself lucky—

God holds nothing against you

and you’re holding nothing back from him.

When I kept it all inside,

my bones turned to powder,

my words became daylong groans.

The pressure never let up;

all the juices of my life dried up.

Then I let it all out;

I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”

Suddenly the pressure was gone—

my guilt dissolved,

my sin disappeared.

These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;

when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts

we’ll be on high ground, untouched.

God’s my island hideaway,

keeps danger far from the shore,

throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

Let me give you some good advice;

I’m looking you in the eye

and giving it to you straight:

“Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule

that needs bit and bridle

to stay on track.”

10 God-defiers are always in trouble;

God-affirmers find themselves loved

every time they turn around.

11 Celebrate God.

Sing together—everyone!

All you honest hearts, raise the roof!