Set yourself free

“Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The Word of God reminds us, or maybe even comforts us, that we are not alone in our sin. When I have felt ashamed or convicted of my sins, I think to myself that this is a reminder of how much I love God, and how much God loves me. If I am feeling convicted, obviously there is something more God has intended for me. There must be something better. I can be assured that the sorrow in my heart will not last forever. Still, ahead lies the daunting task of confessing my sins and seeking forgiveness.

Why is it so difficult and painful to humble ourselves before the Lord and confess our sins directly? What do we fear? Does the Lord not assure us that our conscience will be clear and we will have peace in our hearts?

As Psalm 32 tells us, we will be blessed if we are forgiven. We will be set free when our sins have been covered with God’s mercy and grace. God desires for us to seek him in prayer and confess our sins. God does not wish for his children to live in the bondage of sin. By his love we have been set free, and God assures us that he will never take this away from us.

Now is the time. Set yourself free from the bondage that is keeping you from experiencing the freedom God has intended. And may peace be with you.

Scripture: Psalm 32 (NRSV)

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

²Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

³While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.

⁴For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

⁵Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

⁶Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.

⁷You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

⁸I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

⁹Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.

¹⁰Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.

¹¹Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.