Psalm 32

David begins this song almost as a sigh of relief, it seems,  as he remembers a time of chastening by the Lord for his sins.  

Indeed, now he can speak of the peace of a heart whose sins are forgiven  He knows the blessing of resting in in God's grace toward him, counting no iniquity against him.   

But it hasn't always been so.  David speaks of a time when there was 'deceit' in his spirit. He kept silent....resisting God.  He was hiding, or covering up, and ignoring the sin in his heart.  In modern terms we might say he was 'playing games'.  Perhaps giving lip-service to the Lord and His ways, but not really keeping being obedient.  

But the Lord will not let his children off the hook.  Indeed, with a "heavy hand" he will deal with us. 
Hebrews 12:6  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

'Deceit' in the heart leads to misery.  Overwhelming misery that threatens to undo us.  It overtakes the day, the night, and all else in life, leaving us feeling very dry and empty.  

Ah......but David recognized the cause and responds to the Lord's dealing with him.   He confessed his sin to God (note not to himself, or his friends, or the priest, but to the only source of forgiveness.....to the One whom his sin offended.)  He took responsibility for it (note that he didn't blame his parents, his upbringing, his nature, etc.)  He became transparent.......as opposed to the hiding and covering up he had been practicing, and acknowledged his sin.  He named it, and admitted it, or confessed it to the Father.  No more games.  

And God forgave.

I think of Isaiah 66:2b  But on this one I will look;  On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word."

David then adds an interesting note:  that the godly should pray to God at a time when He may be found.
When God is faithfully dealing with us,  chastising us with a 'heavy hand' as a loving Father,  then is the time to respond....and quickly!   I think of a parenting phrase I hear often,  "delayed obedience is disobedience."
The same is true for God's children.  He, because of His steadfast love, will pursue you relentlessly.  And as David demonstrates, it doesn't always feel like warm fuzzies.  But if we will respond, He will pour our blessings on us.

Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

I find verse 9 to be amusing.   God is speaking, telling us that He will instruct and teach us, and guide us.  Basically, don't be a donkey.  Don't be like a stubborn animal that has to be 'trained' or led, made to do the will of the master, with a painful bit in his mouth.  "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked."

Be teachable! God deals harshly with the obstinate!  Even the sorrow of His discipline is good because of His love for us.  The sorrows of the wicked are compounded.  They will not see the "joy in the morning", referenced in Psalm 30:5.

The the Lord's mercy will surround those who trust in Him,......giving us great reason to rejoice and shout for joy!  

The discipline of the Lord is sweet, "yielding the peaceful fruit of righteousness' , and when it has had it's way with us, giving us reason to sigh with relief, as David did at the beginning of the psalm.