We have been talking this week about what abundant life yields to us. Abundant life yields (produces, delivers, generates) forgiveness. If we are walking in perpetual, unconfessed sin, we will NOT experience abundant life.
Let’s look at what Isaiah 59:1-2 has to say about this.
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.
In the Old Testament, God’s people often wondered why God had not delivered them from their trials.
Was His hand shortened?
Was his power diminished?
Was God hard of hearing now?
Had He not heard their prayers?
Of course, we know that is ridiculous. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. The same power that created the world and everything in it, is still available to us today. The same resurrection power that made Christ arise from the dead and defeat sin and death forever is alive and well and accessible to us. But there are some spiritual laws that are in place. God cannot be mocked. God is still holy, despite the fact that He reaches out to us common, sinful folks.
If we are not ‘fessed up, it will cause a separation between you and God—much like when you and your spouse are at odds with one another. You are still married. You are still in relationship. But the intimacy and closeness are missing until the process of confession and forgiveness has taken place.
Don’t misunderstand me. Jesus died once and for all. You are not “unsaved” by unconfessed sin. But if you are having trouble feeling close to the Lord, one of the first things to do is ask the Lord to help you see if there is any unconfessed sin you need to deal with.
So, today’s message is this: Confession is good for the soul. It is also good for receiving the abundant life God has for us!
Praying for you today!
Sara
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
