40 Days of Peace - Day 2

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Week 1

Peace with God

Focus of the Week: Confessing our sins brings God’s peace

Please read Psalm 32:1-5

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Psalm 32:5

Let’s talk about COVER UP…not what you put over a swimsuit and not the makeup to conceal dark spots or blemishes on your face; I mean what we try to do to our sins and wrong-doings. When I was in high school, my best friend and I had an idea that since my parents were out of town we would (secretively) have some friends over and hang out. Well, that plan exploded and the small group of friends turned out to be a large group and it was no longer a secret. Needless to say, there were incidents and accidents which led me to cleaning the house extra hard to COVER UP the fact that a party took place without my parents’ approval. It didn’t matter how much COVERING UP I did, I still knew what I did was wrong and it weighed heavy on my heart. By the time my parents arrived the following day, they already knew about the festivities that took place. They were disappointed, but wanted to hear about it from me. Once I told them about the night, I felt like weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. No more covering up!!

In our focus verses of Psalms today, David thought no one knew about the sins he had committed. He was trying to keep them a secret. However, these sins that he held in his heart became burdensome and they drained him, like “the heat of summer”. Finally, he confessed, and the Lord forgave him completely. Our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us. When we sin, our fellowship with the Lord is interrupted. He desperately wants us to be open and honest with him. No matter how hard we try to ignore or cover up our sins, our Lord knows them and wants us to bring the confession to Him. Confessing makes for a healthy relationship and brings God’s peace. Remember that all sins can be forgiven because God paid the price at the cross. Our offenses are COVERED by Him. Our Father delights in giving mercy when we confess. We get to experience true peace in our relationship with Savior!!

Are you at a place where you are trying to cover something up from God? If so, remember that He desires the healthy relationship, fellowship and peace. He wants to delight in our steadfast love (Micah 7:18) and take our sins from us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you in full confession today, knowing you are holy and will deal with my sins accordingly. My heart’s desire is that my relationship with you will be open and honest. There is no need to COVER UP sins. I praise you for the peace that comes with confession and the sins your blood washed away at the cross. I am forever grateful for your mercy, blessings and peace.

In your son’s name I pray. Amen