Confession

For me, it's historically been easy to realize a mistake I'd made, feel bad, remember the forgiveness freely offered by God, and then start to feel better.

There is, however, a key point missed in this progression when it plays out, and lately, the Spirit has been convicting me and reminding me of that fact. What step? I hope it is obvious for you! Asking for forgiveness. There are many Bible verses espousing the benefits of confession, and there are, additionally, many if/then type statements within those verses.

I'll let you delve into the breadth if you so desire; in the meantime, here is a passage I am learning to appreciate more and more within this context:

"When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand [of displeasure] was heavy upon me; my moisture was turned into the drought of summer. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]—then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" Psalms 32:3-5 (AMP).

I think of my own times of keeping silent: both those intentional and unintentional. I think of the many ways and times in life in which my groaning (mostly silent) left me feeling like I was wasting away. Then, I think of recent undertaking of putting into place more intentional confession. Instant forgiveness! I know, for me, also a new and instant awareness of His grace and my freedom. God is good.