Do you feel weighed down by your failures and guilt?
I know I’ve been there.
Today I’m sharing the surprising value of regular confession in the life of a believer.
Our souls are prone to wander. We go to so many other things, even though we only find lasting satisfaction in Jesus.
Confession is important in the life of any believer — and not just when you first get saved. Yes, we receive His forgiveness and salvation at the point of conversion, but that is just the beginning of a regular routine of keeping short accounts of our sins and our failures with the Lord.
What does regular confession look like?
1 John 1:9 says that we are to confess our sins to the Lord and He will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I encourage you to spend time on a regular basis in prayerful reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to search your heart, to show you ways that you have turned from Him to something else, and to show you ways that you have not reflected His love and His character in your life and in your relationships with others.
When you do that, confess your sin specifically. Call it by name. Say, “Lord, I confess that I have done this and this is not pleasing to you. This dishonors you and doesn’t show love toward you or toward others.”
Then receive His forgiveness. His forgiveness is guaranteed. We don’t have to wonder, “Is God going to forgive me this time?” Praise God, Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to cover any sin.
After you receive His forgiveness, thank Him for it. Say, “Lord, thank you for forgiving me. Thank you that you stand ready to intercede for me and that you wash me clean.”
If confession is not a regular part of your spiritual life or your walk with the Lord, I encourage you to start today. Even if it’s just once a week, set aside a few minutes of quiet before the Lord. Ask Him to show you areas of unrepentant sin in your life. Confess it to the Lord. Receive His forgiveness, and then determine to, as Jesus said, “go and sin no more.”
Decide what you need to change in your life. Do you need to throw out books? Do you need to delete apps on your phone? Do you need to go and ask forgiveness from someone? Do you need to stop turning to food and maybe do a sugar fast or something that will stop habitual sin in your life?
I encourage you, whatever it is, begin with confession and do it on a regular basis. Keep short accounts with the Lord. Do that every day, every night when you go to bed, or once a week — whenever you want, but go directly to the Lord. Confess your sins, and receive His forgiveness.
There is incredible joy to be found when the Holy Spirit works in our lives to become made into the image of Jesus.
Your Next Steps:
Spend time on a regular basis asking God to show you the ways you’ve failed to love Him and others.
Ask Him to search your heart and know your anxious ways (Psalm 139:23-24).
Confess your sins specifically (1 John 1:8).
Receive the Lord’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Hebrews 4:15).
Determine your next step to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
Scriptures to Read:
Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:8-10; Hebrews 4:15; John 8:11
Recommended Resources:
Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction
Creative Confession: Jar of Ashes and Crowns of Righteousness (video in Creative Devotions Collection)