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"1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 For when I kept silent, my bones 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. 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. 10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"

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Lexicon:

vs. 1 - covered (kacah) - "to conceal, to clothe, to spread over, to cover over to hide or conceal, to pardon"

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vs. 3 - kept silent (charash) - "to be deaf or dumb, to be entangled, to bear silently, to devise evil schemes"

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vs. 3 - wasted (balah) - "to wear out, to use up completely, to use to the full, to fall away, to fail, to be brought to nothing, trouble/sorrow/affliction"

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vs. 4 - your hand (yad) - "the Spirit of God moving in someone, open hand indicating power and direction, hand of God against someone (i.e., punishment)"

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vs. 5 - acknowledged (yada') - "to ascertain by seeing, to be revealed, to recognize, to be aware of"

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vs. 5 - confess (yadah) - "to hold out the hand, to throw away, to cast out, to show oneself as guilty, to worship with extended hands"

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vs. 5 - forgave (nasa') - "to lift, to bear up, to carry, to take, to sustain and endure, to bear continuously, to lift up ones' head or countenance, to bear anyone's sin, to make atonement for"

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vs. 6 - when you may be found (matsa') - "to come forth, to exist, to find or attain, to meet or be present, to be found when you seek Him (God)"

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vs. 7 - hiding place (cether) - "covering, shelter, something secret and hidden, a veil, protection, defense"

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vs. 7 - surround me (cabab) - "to revolve, to encircle, to encompass, to envelop, to turn about, to be changed, to be made like anything, to be transferred to anyone"

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vs. 8 - instruct (sakal) - "to act prudently, to consider, to have wisdom, to be successful"

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vs. 8 - teach (yarah) - "to flow as water, to shoot an arrow, to point out (as if aiming the finger), to direct, to cast, to lay foundations, to send out of the hand, to show or indicate, to sprinkle or water"

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vs. 8 - guide (ya'ats) - "to advise, to consult, to purpose, to plan, to deliberate, to give counsel, to command"

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vs. 10 - steadfast love (checed) - "goodness, kindness, faithfulness, favor, mercy, desire, zeal toward anyone"

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vs. 11 - be glad (samach) - "to rejoice, to brighten or cheer up, to be merry, a joyful and cheerful countenance, leaping for joy"

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What does this reveal about God's character?

God is our salvation.  He covers our sin with the holiness and blood of Jesus Christ.  He is faithful to pardon our sins and carry us continuously when we confess with our mouths and choose to cast aside our sinful ways.  God is present and can be found by us.  He is attainable and will meet us when He is sought.  God is our hiding place.  He is our shelter and our defense.  He encircles us, and in doing so, molds us to be like Him.  God directs our steps.  He gives us wisdom to make prudent decisions and be successful. He points out the way we should go and aims us in that direction.  He counsels us and gives us purpose.  God is the giver of joy.  When we seek Him and seek to please and obey Him, joy and a cheerful countenance follow.  His steadfast love, kindness, zeal, and faithfulness to us will surround us.

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Questions:

1) Am I entangled in sin?  

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2) Have I confessed my sins to God and asked Him to cover my transgressions, so that I may be found holy and blameless before Him?  If not and you would like to pray a prayer to receive salvation from the Lord, please visit our Resources page. 

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3) In what ways am I seeking the Lord?  Do I seek Him with my whole-heart?  Or do I tend to give God my leftovers?

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4) Do I seek the Lord's direction in my life?  Am I open to His teaching, counsel and guidance?  

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5) Would others say I have a joyful or cheerful countenance?  If not, what hindrance is blocking God's joy in your life?  Are you living and operating out of your own strength and capabilities?  

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Prayer:

Father God, thank you for your Word.  Thank you for your salvation that covers me and carries me.  Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear any sin that entangles me.  Remove the scales from my eyes so that I may be pleasing to you and seek you will my whole heart.  I confess my sins and ask you to deliver me and make me holy and righteous before you.  Give me a heart that seeks you continuously and fervently.  Draw me close to you always and in every way.  I rest in you, my shelter and my defense.  You are my covering and I trust in you.  I ask for wisdom, that I may make good decisions that are pleasing to you.  I ask for guidance and direction, that I may choose the path you have lovingly crafted and prepared just for me.  I ask for counsel, that I may fulfill the purpose you have for me (Psalms 138:8).  Father, I choose to rest and bask in your steadfast love and faithfulness to me.  Thank you for all you are.  I love you.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!