Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
² Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
³ When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
⁵ Then 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.
⁶ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
⁷ You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.
¹¹ Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Palm 32

What happiness for those whose guilt is pardoned!

What joy to know my sin’s no longer there!

What peace I have when I have made confession,

When I iniquity no longer bear!

There was a time when I refused to open

My heart to show the darkness deep inside:

My days were filled with unrelieved frustration

Because I failed to let you see my pride.

Day in, day out, your hand was hard upon me,

My strength was gone, like water in the sun,

‘Til I, at last, responded to your pleading;

I let you see the evil I had done.

The very moment I had made confession,

In mercy you forgave my guilt and sin,

You lifted off the load that I was bearing,

You washed and made me clean and pure within.

And now in you I find a place of shelter,

For in the storms of life you cover me;

You steady and you guide through times of trouble:

My mouth is filled with songs of victory.

“My eye upon you, I will teach and lead you:

I’ll choose the path that’s best for you to go:

Stay close beside me, you will never falter;

I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

“The senseless horse must feel the bit and bridle;

The mule cannot be left without restraint.

Don’t be like them, for they are only creatures,

But follow where I lead without complaint.”

While sorrows wait for those who practise evil,

Abiding love surrounds the trusting soul.

Rejoice, then, all who are His chosen people,

Each one who makes obedience his goal.