I know what I did was kinda wrong, I feel it in my soul. But hey, it wasn’t that bad. I didn’t hurt anyone. Somehow it’s twisting my perspective and messing with me, but I just have an overactive conscience. Well, everyone gets away with stuff, and I’m much better than so-and-so.
Psalm 32 counters that thinking.
“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:5-6 ESV).
Think about that simple and powerful truth. I confessed the truth – I’m guilty. God forgave me – I’m free. I don’t have to be afraid to say “You’re right when you say I’m wrong, Lord.” He makes the way for my guilt to be erased.
You would think as people of faith we would be quick to acknowledge when we’ve done wrong. That’s not the case though, is it. We may have the hardest hearts of all people (and the thickest heads). We may be full of pride and think it’s better to cover up the wrong, change its name, get too busy to deal with it or otherwise hide it.
There’s a warning about that in verses 8 and 9.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.”
I find promises in this chapter. The wicked have many sorrows, but love that doesn’t go away surrounds those who trust him. I don’t want to be a dumb sorrowful animal chomping on a bit. I want to follow to his instruction and counsel and know his amazing love, forgiveness, and freedom.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 