Confession and Relief

​On this fifth day of Lent, let’s admit we get some things backwards. For example: we do something nice for our neighbor because we like the pleasure of being noticed or appreciated. We made the kind act about us rather than our neighbor. That is backwards! 

We often get confession backwards. We know confession is good for us and the right thing to do, but we avoid it as embarrassing or painful. David shows us this in Psalm 32:


 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. (Psalms 32:1–5)

The psalm ends contrasting those who cover up their sin (the wicked) with those who trust the LORD. Those who trust the LORD by being honest with him about everything find their burden lifted. By the end of the psalm David is joyfully singing!

    Many are the woes of the wicked,
        but the LORD’S unfailing love 
        surrounds the one who trusts in him. 
    Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
        sing, all you who are upright in heart! (Psalms 32:10–11)

Lent reminds us that rather than being a burden, confession is a gift from God to clean us up and set us free for joyful living. 

Offer the Lord your sins and guilt today.