Psalm 32

A David Psalm ¹Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start,
      your slate's wiped clean.

²    Count yourself lucky—
      GOD holds nothing against you
      and you're holding nothing back from him.

³    When I kept it all inside,
      my bones turned to powder,
      my words became daylong groans.

⁴    The pressure never let up;
      all the juices of my life dried up.

⁵    Then I let it all out;
      I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to GOD." Suddenly the pressure was gone—
      my guilt dissolved,
      my sin disappeared.

⁶    These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
      when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
      we'll be on high ground, untouched.

⁷    GOD's my island hideaway,
      keeps danger far from the shore,
      throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

⁸    Let me give you some good advice;
      I'm looking you in the eye
      and giving it to you straight:

⁹    "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule
      that needs bit and bridle
      to stay on track."

¹⁰    God-defiers are always in trouble;
      GOD-affirmers find themselves loved
      every time they turn around.

¹¹    Celebrate GOD.
      Sing together—everyone!
      All you honest hearts, raise the roof!