Okay, I know I said I'd right about the book of James, but I read this chapter and new I must right about it for there is so many interesting points in it. Instead of just telling you to read the chapter, I'm actually going to write it all out, don't worry, it's not too long. Also, the little numbers mark the verses.
Psalm 32
"1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped and in the heat of summer. 5Then 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. 6Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach Him. 7You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding and must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trust in Him. 11Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"
Now, quite a few points I want to share come to mind when I read this, so I'll start from the beginning and work my way down the chapter. Firstly, verse 1 and 2 go together, notice how even though this is the Old Testament, David mentions transgressions forgiven, and God not counting sins against him, but it follows with "in whose spirit is no deceit". Consequently, I think a person cannot be forgiven if they still do evil, which contradicts the modern philosophy of 'you're saved even though you can live a sin filled life'.
Secondly, David writes he wasted away when he kept silent and did not repent, very interesting, I think. So many people try and hide their sin and end up with their 'strength sapped as in the heat of summer.' Which brings me to another interesting little point, from this verse, the weather during the summer obviously roasted many, a little weather thought ;)
Following, verse 5 and 6 also go together, mentioning forgiveness and repentance, then protection after the forgiveness, which I find very interesting as well.
Verse 7 explains itself, a very encouraging verse to me.
With verse 8, notice how David says, "I will instruct you and teach you...I will counsel you and watch over you." I'm wondering if this is actually how the Hebrew wrote it, or is David rather saying how God will instruct and watch over us? (of course He will, but I'm just referring to this verse). At this moment (perhaps until I read the Hebrew) I believe when David writes 'I' it meant himself, which would make sense, seeing that David was an amazing man with more faith in God than I could ever possess myself, I'd take his instruction and counseling any day.
Afterwards comes my favorite part (not really :). I think with David saying about bits and bridles slams the idea of horses being braver and smarter in his time frame (for battle and such) than now. I think horses mentality is the same as it is today as it was back then, just in their time frame, they trained their horses to ride into battle and to obey their masters, it didn't come automatically. The analogy also proves something to think about.
Verse 11 is so true, God gives His unfailing love to those who trust in Him, and without it, we are lost.
Lastly, verse 12 perfectly ends this magnificent chapter, I'll write it again,
"Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"
