Psalm 32:1-4 TPT)
1
How happy and fulfilled are those
whose rebellion has been forgiven,
those whose sins are covered by blood.
2
How blessed and relieved are those
who have confessed their corruption to God!
For he wipes their slates clean
and removes hypocrisy from their hearts.
3
Before I confessed my sins, I kept it all inside; my dishonesty devastated my inner life, causing my life to be filled with frustration, irrepressible anguish, and misery.
4
The pain never let up, for your hand of conviction was heavy on my heart.
My strength was sapped, my inner life dried up like a spiritual drought within my soul.
Lenten Reflection: In Hebrew, the word “forgiven” is translated “lifted out.” The burden of sin has to be lifted off from our souls or it weighs us down, restricts our freedom, and diminishes our spiritual power. Only our merciful God can do the lifting we need through the blood of Jesus. Sin can take the form of rebellion, failures from selfish living, and acts of twisting God’s righteous standards (corruption). Our confession removes the penalty and pain we experience when we live in hypocrisy. Pause in his presence.
Prayer: Lord, you extend mercy to those who are honest. So, as I pause in your presence today, please help me to be honest with you about every aspect of my life and any sin you shine light upon. In Jesus’ name. Amen.