Listen

The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! The one the Lord doesn’t consider guilty— in whose spirit there is no dishonesty— that one is truly happy!

When I kept quiet, my bones wore out; I was groaning all day long — every day, every night! — because your hand was heavy upon me. My energy was sapped as if in a summer drought. Selah

So I admitted my sin to you;I didn’t conceal my guilt. “I’ll confess my sins to the Lord, ” is what I said. Then you removed the guilt of my sin. Selah

Psalm 32:1-5

Think

Coming clean. Man, that can be tough. Who likes to admit wrongs? Very few. Our culture doesn’t allow for mistakes. When they are made, most simply cover them up, deny wrong-doing, and quickly change the topic.

My father was a gentle man. I say this, remembering times I messed up and ultimately had to face him. He always allowed me to come clean, to own my mistakes. He consistently showed me grace, but he expected me to take responsibility and, when needed, to face consequences.

In our verses today, you hear the words and thoughts of David. He shares that silence about transgressions only leads to pain. In contrast, confessing (turning from old ways) can be liberating.

Does the liberating forgiveness of God sound good to you today? It does to me. As we ponder turning from our ways this week, remember the freedom God offers when we “come clean.”

Bill Ogletree

Pray

Lord, help me to come clean today.

Straighten my path.

Show me your forgiveness and allow me to forgive others.

Amen.

Go

Leave this time, ripe for new possibilities.

Step out of the methodical approach to serving God and into an authentic, intentional faith.

“Make yourselves holy! Tomorrow the Lord will do wonderful things among you.” (Joshua 3:5)