Blessed is the One

by Mike Ratliff

1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
2 How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit! Psalms 32:1-2 (NASB) 

I debated with myself for a while about the title of this post. There is a part of me that still wants the name of it to be “What a Saviour!” My brethren, there is mischief afoot caused by a misunderstanding fostered by the deceit of the enemy of our souls. That mischief is to convince Christians that there is no need to hear the Gospel anymore now that they are safe in the arms of their Saviour. What rubbish! My times of struggling with my flesh and with overcoming the world always coincide when I am overwhelmed with discernment work or some other business that keeps me from simply expositing Sacred Scripture that points me to the Cross of the Christ. Also, proper worship should also do that very thing. 

When I struggle as I stated above it seems there is a root of bitterness in me that wants to move in and take over. What amazes me is that I am perfectly aware that it is happening and no matter how much “I try” to stop it, in my distractions, it seems to have control. Since I had my stroke in April my life has changed in many ways.It is as if I am now “damaged” and things I used to take for granted as something I could do without question, I am no longer allowed to do. I do suffer from some pain, but this is a different issue. Me being “damaged” is causing within me a great deal of frustration and resentment. What is this other than self-centered, fleshly, prideful attitudes that only lead to bitterness and depression?

As I sat down here to prepare for this post, I put on my favorite “Gospel” song, at least, my favorite since I have been going through my stroke and shoulder problems and therapy, depression, et cetera. The song is titled “Blessed is the One” and is on the Sovereign Grace album – Psalms. The lyrics are by Doug Plank and are based on Psalm 32. First, here is Psalm 32.

1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
2 How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
3 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.
Selah.
5 I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah.
6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.Psalms 32 (NASB) 

This Psalm along with Psalm 51 stands out as confessional giants. The early church classified it as one if its seven penitential Psalms along with Psalm 6, Psalm 38, Psalm 51, Psalm 102, Psalm 130, and Psalm 143. When I read it, I see the Gospel all through it. I see God’s mercy, grace, and the fact that only those whose sins are forgiven are His. Oh, what a joy it is to know that that is true!

Here are the lyrics of  “Blessed is the One”

Blessed is the one whose sins are overcome

Whom God has sheltered deep within His grace

Blessed is the one who trusts in God the Son

His steadfast love the sinner’s hiding place

Jesus, Your blood covers all my sin

Jesus, Your love draws my heart to sing

What a Savior, Jesus

I will always hide at my Savior’s side

I find my refuge in His sovereign care

When the waters rise, God will hear my cries

His steadfast love will hold me safely there

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Here is a link to a sample of the audio. I highly recommend the song to you.

My brethren, the point I am trying to make is that we must never stop preaching the Gospel to ourselves or hearing it preached to us. It is powerful not only for the salvation of souls, but to draw each of us to the Savior’s side for healing so we can walk in repentance. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is my All-in-all. He is my refuge. I know I in no way whatsoever deserve the salvation I have received. How awesome is our God’s mercy and grace!!!!! I am in no hurry to die, but I want so much to be with my Savior and be passed this part of my pilgrimage.

Soli Deo Gloria!