When we keep our sins inside, they can fester and we can feel stuck in the muck, so to speak. When we confess those sins, we find freedom. Verse 13 reveals a little of this promise as it says, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Mercy, that sounds good. We all want relief from suffering provided by our loving, compassionate God. Not to mention, who doesn’t want to be prosperous?
We were just on a webinar today about those beliefs and fears that hold us back from our success. Those fears are often feelings we have allowed ourselves to feel for years based on lies the evil one has placed in our heads. When we act on them, we sin. For instance, the fear of failure may come from our feelings of insecurity or unworthiness, our self-doubt. God certainly didn’t put that inside us. But it’s there. It’s keeping us from loving God, too, feeling like we aren’t even good enough for his love. When we are separated from God, we are sinning.
Sins are thoughts, words, and deeds contrary to the will of God. Sin distorts the beauty of God’s creation because we are acting in way that displeases God. Sins can be something we do or something we should be doing but fail to do. Sometimes we don’t even know we are sinning because we aren’t mindful of our actions. Satan is at work full time to keep us from realizing our true inheritance, the grace and mercy God intends for us.
God knows we will sin. Take heart and know that there is no sin so horrible that God won’t forgive. We have a choice. We can bury our sin and pretend it didn’t happen, or we can openly confess it and be cleansed. God will always accept a broken and repentant heart. If you ever doubt God’s ability to reconcile you to himself, read the story of evil King Manasseh in 2 Chronicles HERE.
We will sin. Period. We can’t avoid it no matter how hard we try. But we can do something about it. We can confess our sins to God, and to each other. I think of two great verses that fit beautifully here. 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” And James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Take some time today to read these verses, as well as the verse from Proverbs. Pray to God. Confess your sins. Let his mercy wash over you.
Let’s pray… Thank you, God for this beautiful reminder that you are ready to offer mercy when we confess our sinful hearts and desires. Help me be strong to resist the temptations around me. Help me help others with their own struggles to be true to you, understanding that you are a merciful God ready to accept their repentant hearts as well. Thank you for loving me and wanting the best for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
