Devotional: Confessing My Sins

Psalm 51 “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me” (Ps. 51:2-3, NASB). People with addiction to alcohol and other drugs often have a difficult time admitting that they are addicted. They use two primary ego defense mechanisms, denial and rationalization. They may say, “I am not addicted; I have only two drinks when I first get up in the morning.” They might rationalize and say, I drink only when I go to a party, and everyone drinks at the party. Christians find ways to deny their sins or they may rationalize by making up an excuse for their sins. They might say, “Everybody sins, but we have God’s grace and God’s mercy. God’s grace and mercy does not give us permission to sin. Instead, like David we are to confess our sins. In Second Samuel we learn that the king, David, commits adultery by sleeping with the wife of Uriah. When Bathsheba gets pregnant with child David has Uriah killed by having him placed on the front line of the battle. God sends the prophet, Nathan, to confront David with his sins. Nathan tells David a parable, and David convicts himself by declaring that the guilty man deserves to die (12:5). After Nathan tells David that he is the guilty party, David confesses his sins. Apparently, David expects to receive the punishment that he names. God forgives David and assures him that he will not die. God will keep His promises previously made. However, there will be consequences for his sins. Psalm 51 is David’s confession of this great sin. David confesses: Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge” (Ps. 51:4, NASB). Prayer: Lord, we confess that we sin against you. We thank you for your forgiveness and your restoration. Amen.