Psalms 32:6

"For this let every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found:

Surely when the great waters overflow they shall not reach unto him.

Thou art my hiding place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble;

Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance.

(Selah)"

"Let every one that is godly pray unto thee" (Psalms 32:6). "Godly" here is a reference to persons in covenant relationship with God. Leupold complained vigorously about this verse, writing, "Unwarranted conclusions are drawn from Psalms 32:6,10, to the effect that forgiveness is made available only to the righteous." In our view, that is exactly what the passage actually teaches. All of the talk about the free, unmerited grace and forgiveness of God does not nullify, nor can it ever do so, the declaration of the Holy Spirit that, "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14 KJV).

Yes, yes, the grace and favor and forgiveness of God are indeed free; and they are made available to men who cannot either earn or merit such marvelous blessings; but God's forgiveness is "conditional." If it is not so, why then, does the Lord tell us that the vast majority of mankind will travel "the broad way that leadeth to destruction" (Matthew 7:13)?

"In a time when thou mayest be found" (Psalms 32:6). "This is a reference to turning to God from sin while the opportunity remains."[19] Procrastination may rob one of eternal life; and we may speculate that of the myriads who die without God and without hope, doubtless a great many of them intended to make their peace with God "later"!

"When the great waters overflow, they shall not reach him" (Psalms 32:6). This is evidently a symbolical reference to the judgment of God, based upon the passage's suggestion of the Great Deluge. Kidner tells us that this verse inspired Charles Wesley's great hymn, "Jesus Lover of my Soul."

"While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high;

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide."[20]

"Thou art my hiding place" (Psalms 32:7). "This is an allusion to the Old Testament Cities of Refuge where men fled for protection."[21]

How much more wonderful than those ancient cities is the blessed hiding place provided for the Redeemed in the love of the Father!