Godly people confess their sin.

Therefore let everyone who is godly

offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;

surely in the rush of great waters,

they shall not reach him.

Psalm 32:6

Thank God that He does not expect His people to be sinless. The message of Psalm 32 is this: be quick to confess sin. This is the personal testimony of David. He did not do well covering or hiding his transgressions. When he kept silent about sin he become physically ill and emotionally depressed (Psalm 32:3). He lost all energy as the weight of his unconfessed sin bore down on his soul (Psalm 32:4). When he was finally confronted by the guilt of his sin, David confessed it and found forgiveness from God as a result (Psalm 32:5).

David’s conclusion was to call all people to live confessionally before the Lord. Everyone should confess sin. Confession of sin is the activity of the godly person. And David’s repeated admonition is to do so quickly… not to hold onto the guilt and shame of sin. When the rushing waves of painful guilt threaten, THAT is the time to fall to our knees in confession. This is the activity of the godly. Yes, it is a holy thing to confess sin, repent before God, humbly receive His mercy, and be washed in the flood of His forgiving grace through trusting Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf! Godly people may sin… but godly people are quick to inventory iniquity, turn from it in confession and repentance, and realize that they only have understanding in how to live in righteousness by God’s Word and His work in them (Psalm 32:7-9).

Lord,

I will not be like a stubborn horse or mule that lacks understanding and must be jerked by bit and bridle to obey. I willingly acknowledge that I too, like David, am guilty of sin. I must inventory my iniquity as Your Spirit convicts and Your Word instructs. I must see how in all ways… in thought, feelings, selfish words, or pride-filled disobedient actions I too have sinned against You, often hurting others in the process or aftermath of my sin. I release that guilt to the forgiving blood of Christ, my perfect sacrifice, Who forgives the iniquity of my sin. I will pray in confession so that His righteousness will clean me and declare me a godly man, clothed by His righteousness, clean in Your sight!

Amen