I CONFESS BECAUSE I WAIT FOR THE LORD

This week, I am exploring what God says about CONFESSION.  As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction, “’I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”  

Lord, teach me today about confession.  I desire  

to be obedient to the grace You give to me,  

so my heart can be full of Your Holy Spirit. 

Let me consider the Word of God from Psalm 38:13-22: I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior. 

If I cannot hear, my mouth offers no reply.  I wait for the Lord, and He answers me.  He speaks in such a way that only I can hear.  If I cannot speak, how will I worship?  He gives me a voice that only He can hear.  

My feet are bound to slip, and I do not doubt I will fall.  And when I do, the pain of my sin is ever with me.  I am troubled by my sin; it writhes within my heart as a burden too heavy to bear.  How do I respond to a holy God when I am covered with sin? 

Though I am burdened, I look to the Lord and wait for Him.  I confess my iniquity, and when I do, the Lord forgives me.  Why is my confession so long in coming?  Honestly, I falsely believe I can overcome my adversity on my own. 

Lord, continually convict me of my need for You. 

I can do nothing on my own; I am lost and weary, seeking my Savior. 

As I continue, my enemies increase. While I seek only what is good, they seek to repay my good with evil.  I cannot bear this alone.  I cry, “Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.” My Lord and Savior responds, He comes quickly to my aid. 

Lord, though I wallow in hardship and heartache, I continue to tread where You lead me.  I cannot bear thinking of life without You.  May Your grace see me through the many trials to come;  

I will trust in You always.   In Jesus’ Name, Amen.