Welcome everyone. This month, we are focusing on the theme of clarity. 

As we enter into this time of reflection and prayer, take a moment to draw near to Jesus. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to be present in this moment, not thinking about your to-do list or the emails you need to respond to. Just be present with Jesus.

Dear Jesus, help us experience your peace. Father, help us experience your love. Holy Spirit, help us to be attentive to your guidance and conviction.

Let’s pray with the words of Psalm 139

“Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.” 

The passage for today is taken from Psalm 32:7-8

You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Let’s reflect on the first verse of this passage together. 

Psalm 32:7 says,

You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Earlier in Psalm 32, David confesses his sin to God. He doesn’t hide his sin from God…he is seen. He receives God’s forgiveness…he is safe. It is out of this place of forgiveness that he encourages others to pray to God for deliverance. He knows intimately what it means to be hidden in God and protected from trouble. He has found true deliverance from sin. In the same way, we are seen and safe. We can say, like Paul, that we are hidden in Christ (Col. 3:3). 

As you come to God in this quiet place, are there things that you need to confess to God so that you can rest in His forgiveness? 

Pause

God, we thank You for Your forgiveness. You are “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Ex 34:6). We rest in Your love. 

Now, let’s reflect on the second verse in this passage. Psalm 32:8 says,

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Some commentators suppose that this is David speaking, taking on the role of teacher. But many commentators believe that this is God speaking in answer to David’s profession of trust. I like to believe that this is God speaking. He is promising to teach us, guide us, and counsel us. He doesn’t sit on His throne and look down in judgment, but His loving eye is on us. Sit with that for a moment. God looks at you with love. You are loved! You are forgiven! You are safe!

What are you seeking God’s guidance or counsel on this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s instruction and direction to you.

Pause

Part 2: Outward Focus

As we reread this passage, can you think of one young person or a loved one in your life who needs to hear this? Someone who especially needs to know that God forgives them, loves them, and that they are safe with Him.

Psalm 32:7-8

You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Can you think of someone who needs to experience God’s forgiveness? Ask God to convict them. Ask God to remind them of His loving, compassionate, and gracious character.

Pause

Can you think of someone who needs God’s guidance and counsel in this season? Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct the way they should go.

Pause

God, we thank You for teaching us from Your word and by your Spirit. Guide our steps today and in the coming week.