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 summer heat. Interlude 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. Interlude 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. Interlude The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Psalms 32:1-11 NLT
Confession is good for the soul. It helps to let go of the burden. Confession addresses the need we have to speak out our sins and hear that we are forgiven. It reminds you that you do, in fact, sin – pretty much every day. Most everyone knows they are a sinner, but confession makes it tangible by naming the things that you have actually done wrong. This lets you acknowledge the sins you “tend” towards, which are the things you can let God work on in you.
David described himself wasting away when he refused to confess (v.3). Jesus taught us to ask the Father to “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.” The more you confess, the less arrogant you become, and the more apt you are to forgive others. Confession is not about shame but letting it go and experiencing release, humility, and forgiveness.
Why is confession so important? What do you need to confess today? Who do you need to forgive as God has forgiven you?
