Acknowledge and Confess

Scripture:
When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
    your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.

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.

Psalm 32:3-5

Observation: David is very open in this psalm about his desire for forgiveness of sin, and he gives the reason why here. When he - or any faithful believer - keeps their sin to themselves, they waste away. They have the heavy hand of God's judgment upon them, for they have sin in them that removes them from God's presence. However, when they confess their sin, acknowledging it to the Lord, the Lord forgives them and removes the sin. They can now enjoy God's peace and love.

Application: I continue to struggle with my transgressions, and while I seek forgiveness for them I feel like I am not turning away from them. I am missing the 'repentance' part of forgiveness, I feel. I don't know how to get there. I confess my failures ... clearly that is the start. I need to continue to turn my heart to the Lord daily, confessing my sins and iniquity and transgressions, and seeking a deeper connection to the Holy Spirit. It seems it is through that connection that I can truly experience a change in my heart.

Prayer: Lord, I do submit to you today my failures. I remain angry and prideful. I am quick to judge others and be frustrated by their actions even in meaningless circumstances. That certainly gets in the way of loving others, and thus in growing closer to you. Please forgive me. I seek your Spirit this day and every day. I desire to be filled by your Spirit in new ways, so I may better live in you and serve your purposes here on earth. Please continue this good work you have begun to give me a new heart. Amen.