Release

A psalm of David. Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (Psalms 32:1-2 NLT)

David had reason to celebrate.  He had really messed up and God forgave him.  He's feeling a sense of relief.  I can think of many times throughout my life where I felt a burden of guilt because of the wrong I had done.  Sometimes I think the guilt we feel is far worse than any other punishment we may receive for our wrongdoing.  David was released from that guilt.

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude (Psalms 32:3-5 NLT)

Notice when David was released of that guilt.  He said, "I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt."  That's when God forgave him.  God forgives us when we admit that we are wrong and turn back to him in repentance.  There's no other way.  We must admit we are wrong and turn back to Him.  Otherwise, the sting of guilt stays with us.

God forgave David only after he admitted that his actions were wrong and stopped doing them.  He didn't continue sleeping with other men's wives, murdering their husbands, and taking their wives for himself.  He admitted that he was wrong.  He was sorry for what he had done.  He stopped that sinful behavior.  He truly repented.  God doesn't forgive us unless we repent, too.  We have to stop making excuses for our actions.  We need to admit that we were wrong.  We need to stop sinning.

Therefore, let all the godly pray to You while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude (Psalms 32:6-7 NLT)

David realized that the joy and peace he felt was great.  It was so good that he wants everyone to experience just how good it can be.  He doesn't want them to drown in the floodwaters of judgement.  He wants them to pray to Him while there is still time.

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." (Psalms 32:8-9 NLT)

David also realized that it doesn't stop there.  God is willing to guide us to enjoy "the good life" if we will simply continue walking with Him.  When we stray, it hurts.  It's like being jerked around by a bit in our mouth.  When we stay on His path, it's a gentle, more enjoyable walk.

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! (Psalms 32:10-11 NLT)