Devotional

“I have more trouble with D.L. Moody than any other man I know.” –D. L. Moody

Four preachers met at a conference. One of them suggested, “People always come to us and confess their sins and shortcomings. It’s a relief to their souls. Let’s do the same.” The others agreed.

The first preacher admitted, “I’ve watched some movies with less-than-wholesome content.” The second owned up to enjoying a good cigar some Sunday evenings. “I like a sip of whiskey every now and again,” the third preacher confessed.

They looked to the fourth preacher, who was reluctant to speak up. “Come on,” they chided, “We’ve shared with you. What’s your vice?”

Finally he answered, “My vice is gossip—and I can’t wait to get out of here!”

While it’s just a silly story, there is a certain promise attached to confessing our sins and shortcomings. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

And in being forgiven, there is real blessing to be experienced. King David knew it firsthand:

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 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 32:1-5).

Our sins require our attention. When David kept silent, he bore the weight of his unconfessed sin. When he spoke up and acknowledged them, he experienced forgiveness and relief—he summed it up as a blessing.

It’s a great practice to make confession a regular part of our prayer life. When there are occasions of sin we recall, own them.

It’s not a bad idea to allow the Lord to reveal sins to us which we may have overlooked. We can pray, as David did: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23).

My prayer this week – Lord, you’ve searched me and you know me. Will you show me any offense within me? Hear my confession. Cleanse me. Purify me.