Acknowledge and Confess

Scripture:
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.

 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 32:5,8-10

 

Observation: There is a progression expressed: First, acknowledge your sin and pray for forgiveness; Then, not only does God forgive you, but he begins teaching you in love so that you are not longer like a slave animal that must be guided, but you can live into God's love.

 

Application: When anyone refuses to even acknowledge their sin, there is no way forward. God is removed from you, and you bask in guilt without hope. It is when you confess and are forgiven that God can THEN properly guide you.

 

All Christians - myself included (especially) - need to remember this. The path to struggles in life begins with unconfessed sin.

 

Prayer: Lord, please do forgive my sins! I have evil thoughts and hate toward others. My actions I justify, and my thoughts I feel do no harm. But they are all harming me and keeping me from the full experience of a blessed life ... they keep me from the daily warmth of your amazing love. Please forgive me, and help me to repent. I sincerely seek your guidance, and I do fully trust in you. Amen.