Transformational Tip
Today’s Scripture is much more lengthy than usual, but it expresses so beautifully the despair that so many of us experience…the despair that comes with hiding our sins from God…and the great freedom we experience when we finally stop trying to hide our guilt, confess to the Lord, and receive His loving forgiveness.
Even though painful feelings are unpleasant to experience, facing them honestly and dealing with their cause is essential. If we want to be the person God has called us to be…if we want to stop hurting others and ourselves…if we want to experience freedom and peace in our lives that Christ died for…we must face the truth and ask God for his forgiveness and His help. Then we need to be a good steward of His help and instructions through Godly decision-making.
Jesus understands the damage that can be done when unpleasant feelings that come as a result of our sins are ignored and pushed below the surface. He encourages us to approach him like a little child…quick to trust and willing to share our feelings.
Today, think, is there sin in your life that you’ve been hiding…maybe and especially, even from yourself? God loves you and is waiting for you to come to Him. He is your loving Father. Come to Him as the psalmist did. Then you can join the psalmist in rejoicing: “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the power and relief of confession.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess my rebellion and my sin. Forgive me for trying to hide it for so long. Thank You for Your unconditional love, for Your forgiveness and for the peace that only You can give. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me about unconditional love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My Strength evaporated like water in the heat.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.”
Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
Psalm 32:1-7