So Happy

Genuinely peaceful is the person whose sin is forgiven,
the one whose sin has been covered over and forgotten forever.
Deeply happy is the person against whom God counts absolutely no sin
and who, deep down, doesn't lie to himself, to others, or to God.

When I refused to confront my own heart and its darkness, I felt like my body was wasting away
and I groaned inwardly--even as I smiled for others.
Night and day, You wouldn't let it rest. Your hand was heavy on me
and my joy dried up like a lawn in the heat of summer. I couldn't escape You or me.

Then I finally confessed my sin to you,
I just admitted it.
I said, "I can't live like this. I have to tell You as I look into your face."

And You forgave me completely, just like that.

So everyone who calls You 'Lord' should pray to You while You can still be found.
When dark waters rush around us, and we panic, is that the time to reach for You?
But you are a hiding place for me, an impenetrable bunker;
You keep me from final harm.
Like a warrior who defends me, You shout your warning to all my secret and public fears.

I'll tell you how which way you should go.
I'll teach you with my eye always on you.
Don't be stubborn, like a horse or mule who drags its feet by nature.
They have to be controlled with a bit or bridle
or they won't stay near their master.

Many are the sorrows of those who don't love You, Lord.
But constant, unstoppable, unchanging love surrounds those of us who put our trust only in You.

You who love Him, be happy. Jump up and down and show your joy, like a little kid at Christmas.
Shout and don't worry about the noise.

(My paraphrase of Psalm 32).