In verse 3 of this call to confession, we read, “While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.” Guilt has a way of eating at us from the inside out. Sometimes it’s hard to admit, even to ourselves, when we have harmed someone or sinned against God in some way. Or we may try to justify or downplay our words or actions, thinking that will make it better. The season of Lent is a good time to really examine the ways we break covenant with God, with others, and with ourselves. It is a good time to offer an accounting for the ways our thoughts, words, or actions have marred our relationships.
Today, spend some time reflecting over the past days, weeks, months, or even years. Is there an apology that needs to be made – either to God or to another person? Make it a practice to remove the word ‘but’ from your apology (as in, “I’m sorry, but…”). Instead, make good use of the word ‘for’ (as in, “I’m sorry for…”). If you’re apologizing to a person, forgiveness may not come instantly or ever.
But hear the good news according to this psalm: “Then I acknowledged my sin to [God], and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and [God] forgave the guilt of my sin.” Draw in a cleansing breath and feel the weight of guilt as it is lifted from your shoulders.
