October 28 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Psalm 32

Devotional

Initially David kept silence before the Lord. He did not want to confess his sin and yet David was burdened by it. His bones, the pillars that bear the body, became old. His moisture was changed into the drought of summer (verse 4). His soul was so afflicted that his body consequently suffered.

When a man is silent before God it causes a distance between Him and His child. When, in silence, he does not confess his sin and guilt before God, the Lord also will keep silence. When guilt is kept silent, then grace also has to be silent. The Lord will never have dealings with the soul when sins are covered up. When we try to hide our sins then God has to hide His friendly countenance. When we keep silence before the Lord it alienates us from Him.

It is certain, however, that even when sins are kept silent the all-knowing God still knows about them. But the Lord wants to hear the confession of sins from the sinner’s own lips. He has to acknowledge his sin to the Lord, as if the Lord did not know about it. He has to learn to accuse himself, as if God did not know he was so bad. Is there guilt in your life that keeps you silent? Do you go through life keeping silence before your Judge? Why do you not fall down before the Lord? Why do you not surrender before the all-knowing God? A person who keeps silence can never be happy. How long will you keep the Lord waiting? Will you let Him wait until confession is no longer possible?

The psalmist’s words contain much instruction for you, child of God, for you also often continue on in life keeping silence. You cover up much before God. There are many evil matters that you neglect to confess. Is it then any wonder that the Lord has to hide Himself from you? Herein you find a reason why there are days of darkness. The reason lies in your closed mouth and in your closed heart.

Think back to a time when you made everything known to the Lord. It was better for you then than now. That is why you always have to start again by recognizing your sinfulness before God. God’s justice would allow His silence for He hates sin. God was silent towards the Surety who took the sins of His people on Himself. And that is why it may now be proclaimed to sinners, that they should pour out their whole hearts to Him. The sins have been paid for; but only guilt that is confessed can be changed into guilt that is forgiven.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.