Psalm 32:1:

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Psalm 32:5:

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity.

Our sin must be dealt with– either we must be punished for it ourselves or it must be “covered.” Who does the covering is crucial.

If we try to cover our sin– to conceal it, to keep it hidden– we fail. Only God can cover– effectively and permanently deal with– our sin. The rest of verse 5 tells us how:

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Trying to cover sin ourselves leads to death. Confession leads to forgiveness. Covering. Life.