Our Hiding Place
Part of Sermon Notes

Big Idea: When we hide our sin and ignore our need, we are exposed to the heartaches of death. When we expose our sin and confess our need, we are hidden in the grace of God.

For Our Instruction:

1. There is no greater blessing than to be fully forgiven.

Psalm 32:1-2 (ESV)
A Maskil of David.
32 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.

Psalm 32:3-4 (ESV)
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.  Selah

2. There is no greater curse than the heartache of “secret” sin.

3. If we confess our sin, full forgiveness is just a whisper away.

Psalm 32:5 (ESV)
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.  Selah

Psalm 32:6-7 (ESV)
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.  Selah

4. As we admit our need, we are “hidden” in the grace of God.

Psalm 32:8-11 (ESV)
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!

5. To be proud, independent, or stubborn is foolish and leads to much sorrow. But God’s steadfast love surrounds those who trust Him, bringing great gladness and joy.

Pastor’s Challenge:

Take a moment to identify an area of sin and/or need in your life, something that only you know about.

In the silence of this moment, get honest with God about that sin or need.

Listen as The Spirit speaks to your heart and prompts you toward some action.

Obey, whatever the prompting, obey and enjoy freedom and peace.