Psalm Meditation 538
Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
October 10, 2010

Psalm 32
1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
(NRSV)

I have been told, and have found it to be true that all shame is based in secrets. When we tell our secrets we have nothing to be ashamed of. The psalmist seems to have discovered this as well. As long as nothing was said the psalmist wasted away from the weight of the secret being kept and the fear of being discovered. Once the sin is acknowledged and confessed the burden is lifted and a new and deeper sense of peace is discovered.

Confession also brings support. The support can come from some surprising people and places. Through confession of faults, failings and foibles we discover that we are not the only ones who have ever had to deal with this particular situation. In some cases we discover that people we look up to and respect have dealt with similar situations. There will still be consequences to face in each and every situation; they do not magically disappear due to our confession.

When we no longer have a barrier between us and God we can more readily receive the steadfast love God offers to us. Without having to worry about protecting ourselves and our secrets from God we become more open to the instruction God offers in daily living. We no longer feel confined by our secrets and are free to deepen our relationship with God and with those around us.

© October 4, 2010