1 John 1:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

For meditation

King David’s confession in Psalms 32:1-11 is a classic for an everyday read. He emphasizes the blessedness of forgiveness in confession from the beginning (1-4). He weaves through the painful maze of his folly when he remained undercover, until God graciously gave him space to come clean and be forgiven (5). His counsel is clear: Exchange the unnecessary burden of your hidden sin for the indescribable relief God’s forgiveness brings (6-11).

1. Have you tried to fight your way out of a situation you knew you were guilty of before? How did your bluff through an argument go when the gavel of the judge had already gone down against you?
2. How did you feel during those times? You may have had your way in those battles, but how did you really feel going to work in the morning and going to bed in the night (Ps. 32:3-4)? Come on! Be truthful.
3. Isn’t it a pity when we try that game with God – trying to justify ourselves before Him (Lk. 10:29)? How many times have you gone to Him in prayer with a heavy load of guilt, but failed to confess it, insisting in your stubborn ways (Jer. 18:12)?
4. But why carry your suitcase on your lap when someone has given you a free ride with an empty trunk? As ridiculous as it sounds, is that not what we do when we fail to take God’s offer of forgiveness by admitting our guilt (John 1:9)?
5. So, why don’t you take that grace today and be free? Why do you continue to insist you’ve not blown it (10)? Is it because of the sin label on it? Do you see how you hate even the sound of it? How about God? Since you hate the sound of the word and God also can’t stand it, why don’t you confess it and be free? Why maintain your stubborn attitude and be crushed by sin’s weight?

I pray you will stop playing games with God today, if indeed Christ is your Lord, and keep short account with Him every day. Believe me, you will be the most joyful child in God’s house. Ask King David (Ps. 32).

So: May you take the counsel of David today (6) and throw that sin into the stream of blood that flows from Calvary; and may you experience the freedom and blessings the forgiveness of God brings through Christ Jesus, now and forever, amen!

Shalom