Briefing: Is it just human nature to feel guilty whenever you see a uniformed officer or marked police car? I have been in law enforcement for a while but I still hit the brakes and look at the speedometer every time I see a police car. As humans we are all guilty of sin, maybe this is why we have a guilty conscious.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 32.

On the Street: This Psalm is split into two sections. The first part is David explaining to us, the reader, why he is not firing on all cylinders. The second is God’s response and explanation of the blessings available for those who stay true to the expectations and relationship.

In the first two verses, David is describing a person who has a good relationship with their heavenly Father. This person understands God knows everything about them. Why do we think we have the ability to hide our sins and our true intentions from God? Anything short of truth with God is foolish. Even when our thoughts are on evil desires we must realize He knows this, it is really dumb to think we can hide it from Him. Honesty and sincerity are essential for a good relationship with God.

In verses 3-5, David gets disciplined by his heavenly Father. Discipline is what a good, loving father does to teach and protect his children. It is also a Biblical principle. Psalm 94:12, “Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;” Sometimes in our stubborn pride we refuse to confess or admit we are wrong. This ignorance must be driven out of us so that we can either get in a right relationship or start a relationship with our Father.

Verses 6 & 7 tell of the benefits of being in this right relationship with the Father. I know we did not all have fathers who were there for us but we must all understand how great this relationship with our heavenly Father is. He loves us more than we can understand. Like David said, He is the one who protects us and delivers us from trouble.

The next set of verses is my favorite, David is writing the words of God. This is what your heavenly Father wants you to know. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” – verse 8. We can trust our heavenly Father. What do you think when you hear Him say He will teach us the way we should go? Do you want to get lost and stuck in the mud and crud of life? Do you want to be drowning in the filth and corrupt human desires that make you feel dirty and guilty? God wants to show us the way out of that to a life of peace and joy. When God says He wants to counsel you and watch over you it should be joy to your ears. Who would not want this, yet we find ourselves lost in the dark allies and dirty side streets of life. It is time to put your trust in God and believe He will be your Father.

Have you noticed how David likes to end each Psalm with a statement of God’s goodness or protection? In each Psalm, it does not matter how bad the trouble is, David always finishes well, praising God.

Investigational Resources: Discipline; Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 29: 17. God’s love for us; John 3:16.

Officer Safety Principle: “Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11.

from Psalms Through the Eyes of a Cop, Volume 1
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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