December 5

Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. — Ps 32:1 BSB

True blessedness can only come when forgiveness has been received. Unforgiven sin weighs heavily on a person’s life, casting a shadow that no prosperity or favor can lift. But with forgiveness comes all the blessedness of life and glory. When we are forgiven, we become God’s children and heirs, joint heirs with Christ, inheriting all the riches of eternal life. All the blessings of salvation are wrapped up in this one gift—being forgiven.

The word “cover” is also worth reflecting on. There’s a way of covering sin that brings no blessing—when we try to cover it ourselves. Scripture says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” When we try to hide our sins, they remain like quiet fires within a volcano, ready to erupt. But when God covers our sins, they are hidden forever—out of our sight, the world’s sight, and God’s sight.

In one place, God promises to remember our sins no more. This covering is complete and final. Our sins are covered by the atonement of Christ. “All we like sheep have gone astray, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquities of us all.” If our sins were laid on Jesus, they are covered forever and will never rise up against us.