Daily Devotion, June 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 28:13-14.

Sometimes scripture best interprets scripture. I believe this is true for these two verses. Psalm 32 echoes the themes of these verses in Proverbs. The one who is willing to confess their sins finds mercy and healing.

Psalm 32 gives us a “word picture” of the effects of what it is like to carry the guilt of sin by ourselves. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” The weight of guilt is all-consuming. Sin we have not confessed becomes a weight which is too heavy to endure day after day.

These verses reflect a clearer picture of Proverbs 28:13, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper.”

Psalm 32:9 gives us another word picture, “Do not be like the horse or the mule which have no understanding.” This corresponds with verse Proverbs 28:14,”but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.”

These are pictures of what it is like to carry unconfessed sin. It saps us of life and causes us to be hardened of heart.

Who is waiting to hear our confession? The gracious and merciful God who is able to forgive us is the One who is waiting. Psalm 32: 7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” And in vs. 10, the Psalmist writes…”but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” God’s gift of forgiveness releases us from the weight of sin and guilt and brings healing. Proverbs 28: 13 says, “We find mercy.”

Through the years of our faith journeys, God opens our eyes along the way to the many ways in which we sin and break our fellowship with God and with others. Sometimes, along the way our eyes are opened to our individual sins and at other times we realize our sins are more of a corporate or systemic nature.

For healing, our God who is listening to our confessions offers forgiveness with compassion, grace, mercy and unfailing love. Throughout all of scripture, God initiates with abundant grace, love and forgiveness. Our confession which brings healing is our response to God’s invitation.

Personal Worship Option:

Read this verse again: Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Amen.