THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, November 4, 2024

Lord, guard me from being as stubborn as the psalmist. Talk about hardheaded. He could be the hardest of the hardheaded in ancient Israel. Being a ruler, maybe his pride refused to allow him to admit he made mistakes. After all, being a role model for the “lesser” people allowed him to justify his sinful actions. He couldn’t disappoint his fan club members. But, Lord, you would have nothing to do with his nonsense.

Because you loved the psalmist, you would not allow him any peace until he came clean with you and with those he offended. Suppressing his guilt created constant internal conflicts. Sickness. Ailments. Affliction after affliction. One problem followed by another. I doubt any smiley face stickers could be found in the palace. Scripture suggests in frustration, he threw his hands up and did not care anymore. Later, he recounted these incidences from that miserable time in his life.

“When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat” (Psalm 32:3,4).

Lord, that I might heed the psalmist’s warning. My choice could not be clearer. Life is too short to live in misery because I’m too stubborn to admit my mistakes. Lord, please expel me from the hardheaded club. Leaning into you is my only reprieve.

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:5).

What was true three thousand years ago is still true today. God’s Word works. Amen, Jesus.