This is one of those “counter-intuitive,” opposite of secular understanding, things about Christianity. The knowledge that when we honestly lay all of our disobedience to God out in front of him with honest remorse, God forgives us the moment we ask.

Psalm 103:12 writes, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

The challenge many people have is that they have trouble accepting the forgiveness God is offering,, for the simple act of sincerely asking.

Carrying the guilt and shame of un-confessed sin can make people physically ill as they dwell on it and are unable to overcome.

Psalm 32:1-3, says, “What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record. There was a time when I wouldn’t admit what a sinner I was. But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration.” TLB The NET version translates the last verse, “When I refused to confess my sin,my whole body wasted away,while I groaned in pain all day long.”

And Paul writes in Romans 3:3, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

It is so important for each of us to spend time confessing our disobedience to God’s will and just as important, to accept the forgiveness that God promises.

Dear Lord, We are sorry that we constantly fail to live up to your standard. Give us the strength to strive to do what you would have us do, and forgive us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.