Transformational Thought
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. But it also reveals the great freedom we experience when we finally stop trying to hide our guilt, confess our sinful decisions 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 the 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 good stewards of His help and instructions through Godly decision-making.
Jesus understands the damage that can be done when unpleasant feelings resulting from sins are ignored and pushed below the surface. He encourages us to approach Him like a little child … quick to be vulnerable … willing to share our feelings with Him … trusting that He will heal and not rub salt in our wound or take advantage of our vulnerability.
In childhood there were times when we opened up, trusted, made ourselves vulnerable, and then were hurt. We weren’t stupid, so we figured the only way to avoid hurt or let down anymore was to hold it all in, not open up, be skeptical of others, and not share our mistakes, questions, or insecurities. Satan wants us to keep our wrongs in the dark because He knows the Light will allow truth, letting healing prevail.
Today, think about sin in your life that you may be hiding … especially 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.” Develop the Spiritual Discipline of confession. It reconnects you to God and allows God to enter your heart for healing to begin.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess my rebellion and my sins. 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. Empower me with trust to come to you and be vulnerable when I am fearful. 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