I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Psalms 32-37.

Psalm 32 provides an important counterpoint to the Book of Job.  While the Book of Job teaches us that we should not assume that someone else’s suffering is a result of some sin of which we are unaware, Psalms 32 reminds us that unconfessed sin will often cause us to suffer.  If you are suffering, examine your life for sins which you may be harboring, confess them to God and repent of them.  Sometimes God sends suffering into our lives as part of His efforts to guide us to the path which we should follow.  Instead of trying to hide our sins, let us confess them and praise God.  That will bring joy to our lives.  If we, in our desperation, choose to praise God and act according to His will, we will find joy.  The psalmist sums that up in Psalms 34 when he says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”  The only way to discover the joy of serving God is to try it our for yourself.

The psalmist goes on to make an important point.  The wicked do not know how wicked they truly are.  Which means that we do not know how wicked we truly are.  Sin whispers deep in our hearts and tries to convince us not to fear God.  So, do not worry about the wickedness of others, whether to fret that they do not receive punishment or to envy them what they have.  Instead, examine our own lives for sin, trust in the Lord, and do good.  If we commit everything we do to serving the Lord, we will never fail and He will give us our heart’s desires.  Turn from our rage, and maintain control of our tempers.  The wicked may seem to prosper, but they will soon disappear.  Instead of being angry at the wickedness of others, let us strive to do good and not be like them.  Then we will experience true joy.