Session 28

There is no such thing as hidden sin

From Psalms: A 28-Day Devotional

Too often, we take the same attitude to sin that celebrities take to blending in. In our desire to do what we want, to be our own gods, we put our sunglasses on and pretend no one is watching.

But deep down, we all know this is foolishness. We can't hide from God, and no amount of disguise stops God from seeing us as we really are (Psalm 53:2-3). 

We were all born corrupt and full of sin. The idea of God seeing every action and knowing every thought scares us because we know we're not good. No one is.  

God, being holy and just, can't allow sin to go unpunished. That wouldn't make Him a very good God. But God is also merciful and loving, and because He is all of these things — holy, just, merciful, and forgiving — He made a way for us to avoid the punishment we deserve. He sent His son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserved (Romans 3:22-24). 

Pretending there is no God won't make it true and it won't make His judgment disappear. That's why Psalm 53 calls the atheist a fool. They reject God, the only one who can save them. 

The only difference between the fool and the Chrisitan is the forgiveness we received when we put our faith in Jesus. We're not better or smarter. We're simply forgiven. Remembering that humbles us and moves us to pray, just like David did, that others would come to know Jesus and receive His forgiveness while they still can (Psalm 53:4). 

Reflect:

• Has there been a moment when you asked Jesus for forgiveness and started a relationship with Him? If not, you can do that today! 
• How would you describe your attitude toward those who don't believe in God?
• Is there anyone you long to see experience the forgiveness you've received? Take a few minutes to pray for that person today.