Session 22

Why God is the best person to talk to when you’ve done wrong

From Psalms: A 28-Day Devotional

Has the weight of guilt ever made you sick? It did for King David, the author of Psalm 32.

Salvation makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God. But even after we commit to following Jesus, we don't always get it right. 

When that happens, guilt feels like a heavy weight bearing down on us (Psalm 32:4). 

Sometimes the shame of what we’ve done makes us wander further from God, convinced He would only point an angry finger at us if we tried to approach Him. But nothing could be farther from the truth. 1 John 1:9 promises that when we confess our sins to God, He forgives us and purifies us from all unrighteousness.

Forgiveness removes a weight so heavy that only the strong arm of God can lift it. That's the freedom David writes about 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 David finally confessed his sin to God, all of the sorrow he was experiencing lifted. What God did for David, He wants to do for you, too.   

Confession is admitting that what we did was wrong, that the weight of our sin is too much for us to carry, and asking God to forgive us and help us change. God doesn't want us to be like the child dragged kicking and screaming, or the horse forced to move with the bit and bridle (Psalm 32:9). 

God offers us open arms to take the weight of our sin from us, not to add the weight of guilt to us. And after we give God our sin to carry, He takes our hand to guide and protect us like the good father He is (Psalm 32:6-8).

Reflect:

• Has there been a time in your life when you confessed your sin and asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? If not, you can do it today.

• How does it change your view of God to know that He wants to remove your guilt (not pile more on)?

• Is there anything you need to confess to God? Is there a burden you no longer need to carry?