Read Psalm 51:12–15

Joseph suffered cruel treatment from his vengeful brothers and devastating consequences from a false accusation. He could have languished in the dungeon, eaten up with bitterness. Joseph saw a better way—he saw God’s sovereign hand through the pain. Because he did, he later stood before his betrayers filled with nothing but forgiveness. That sincere ingredient freed him from any thought of retaliation or revenge.

Forgiveness is the song of the soul set free!

When King David confessed his unconscionable sins of murder and adultery, he experienced God’s healing grace. He soon declared, “I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness” (Psalm 51:14).

If we could ask David what forgiveness sounds like, he might reply, “Music...soul music!” He didn’t simply state his gratitude, he sang it!

Forgiveness eases the ache of remorse and soothes the wounds of bitterness. Whether we hear, “I forgive you” from those we’ve offended or say, “I forgive you” to those who’ve wounded us, forgiveness frees us from the bondage of resentment.

What’s the melody in your heart? The song of the soul set free? Or a bitter dirge composed by harsh words from an abusive parent, festering wounds from an unfaithful spouse, or from a solo of shame as you remember your own past mistakes?

God has made provision for you in His Son so you no longer must bear the burden of bitterness.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that I may praise you. (Psalm 51:12–15)

Give your burden to Christ today...let Him transpose your bitter refrain into a melody of praise and freedom.

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.