Yesterday in church, our pastor talked about self deception, including a discussion about truth telling as it relates to forgiveness. We looked at Psalm 32 as an example of some of the effects of not confessing our sin.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.
I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:1-5
It was convicting on a personal level. The biggest way I am not totally honest with myself is when I don’t consider the end of my actions (Proverbs 22:3). I can please myself by putting my husband’s priorities last, but I often neglect to consider how putting off some errand or another affects him, how it reflects a lack of submission (particularly when it doesn’t get done or when I forget to do it). I only think about the immediate desire I have.
It was a challenge on another level, too. I’d like to share this passage with David and Bethel and show them that God’s forgiveness makes us happy. I think David might get the Scripture, but I think even Bethel could understand the basic truth.
I’ll pray for an opportunity to share it with them, and continue thinking on the passage. That will keep it at the front of my mind when the opportunity comes.
Update: The result of the subsequent discussion is found here.
Michelle,
Hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for your comment with regard to guilt. Your perspective was very good. And your comment at the end about psychiatrists not knowing what to with guilt was a good thing to remember.
Thanks for stopping by!