OBSERVATION:
The truly blessed (happy) person is the person who knows God’s forgiveness and who has an honest, sincere heart (v.1-2)
When we live in denial, life is hard, and God prevents us from experiencing joy and peace (v.3-4).
When we are honest with God, God does forgive us; we should reach out to Him in honesty and sincerity while we still can, He will be a safe place for us when we do (v.5-7).
God promises to teach and encourage us, if we promise not to be stubborn like a mule (v.8-9).
Those who resist God find trouble but those who trust God find the security of God’s love (v.10).
Those who trust God can praise Him because He is so gracious and loving (v.11)!

APPLICATION:
If I am miserable or experiencing a heavy heart, its possible that I am living in denial somehow.
God will not allow me to live a double-life, His heavy hand will weigh me down until I deal with it.
Honesty is the best policy, is there anything I am not facing and dealing with God?
I need to spend time regularly being honest with You, to allow You to be my ‘hiding place’, to praise You for Your grace and unfailing love.

PRAYER:
Lord, there are times when I feel Your hand heavy upon me. Help me not to blame You first, but help me to search my heart, to discern whether I have allowed an unconfessed concern or sin to drain me of my life and joy and peace. Help me to see confession as the path to peace and joy. Amen.