Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1.

Psalm 32 is a penitential Psalm , probably written by David after he had committed adultery and murder and was faced up to his sin by Nathan the prophet. This psalm describes five keys to happiness.

First, the happy person knows their sins are forgiven (32:1-5). Leonard Griffith says this psalm is a case-history. The psalmist describes three stages in his experience, the first a stage of abject misery (vv.3-4). Most ancient Jews connected all sickness with sin. Job's so-called comforters pressed that point almost brutally: 'Name a single case where the righteous met with disaster' (Job 4:7). Job himself was more enlightened, and insisted his sickness might have nothing to do with sin, a view Jesus confirmed (see John 9:3). However Jesus cured a paralysed man by saying 'My son, your sins are forgiven' (Mark 2:5).

Today we are quite aware of the connection between sin and sickness. A number of common diseases - high blood pressure, migraine headaches, heart-trouble, peptic ulcers etc. - may be caused by our failure to obey God's laws. Sickness can result from unresolved guilt (it's not what you eat but what eats you!). Sometimes, in Shakespeare's words, we need 'more... the divine than the physician'.

I acknowledge my sin to you, Lord God. I will not hide my iniquity. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.