Creatures of Habit: ConfessionSample

Confession: The Heart of The Habit 

I was in a store with my mom, and I knew there was no way she was going to buy me that toy car I wanted. So, I slipped the car right into my pocket. And as we walked aisle by aisle, the guilt started to come over me like waves. The longer we were there, the more guilty I felt. When we finally checked out and got to the parking lot, my mom asked me a simple question, “What’s in your pocket?” I couldn’t take it anymore. I yelled, “ITS A CAR, A TOY CAR, I STOLE A CAR!!” As the confession rolled out of my mouth, I was flooded with relief. We went back inside, and I apologized to the store manager, and of course, returned the car. I was caught, but I was so glad it was over. This is a simple and possibly silly story, but it’s true no matter your season or the severity of your confession. 

Confession leads to forgiveness and forgiveness leads to freedom. 

Psalm 51:1-15 is a prayer from David after he was caught in adultery and murder. Talk about severe. In verse one, David prays, “Have mercy on me, O God!” This is the prayer of a heavy heart, a heart burdened by sin, a heart who knows mercy is its only hope. David had committed great offenses against Bathsheba and Uriah, but David knew who he had ultimately sinned against. In verse four, David proclaims to God, “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” In other words, David knew the severity of his sin. His sin was ultimately against God, his Creator.  

It’s worth restating, confession leads to forgiveness, and forgiveness leads to freedom. This is the heart of the habit. Our Creator loves us too much to let us live in the guilt of our sin. It is a weight we cannot bear. So like David, we would be wise to cry out, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” 

• What do you need to confess today? 
• In what areas of your life do you need forgiveness and freedom?  

Start this week by reading Psalm 51:1-15. Take this chance to follow David’s example. You can even use some of his words and come to God with your confessions and your praise.