What David Did: I Confess

“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ Nathan replied, ‘The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.’ ” (2 Samuel 12:13-14)

Starting tomorrow, we’re going to spend a few days looking at David’s written prayer to God about his sin with Bathsheba in Psalm 51. Notice the wisdom in David’s immediate response here, though.

whatdavid_350When confronted with his sin and after hearing what God’s punishment will be, David doesn’t say, “I’m sorry.” He doesn’t make excuses. He doesn’t look for someone else to blame. Instead, he offers a one-sentence confession: “I have sinned against the LORD.”

It’s the same response God looks for from us when dealing with our sin. Confession is agreeing with God that I am wrong and He is right. Period. It’s how we draw close to Him again after we have turned from Him by choosing to sin: “God, I did it. I sinned in this way. I want to be close to you again. Thank you that I am forgiven because of Jesus.”

Think: Do you practice confessing your sin to God when you willfully choose to disobey Him? Is it a hard thing to do? Why or why not?

Pray: Ask God to help you to value your relationship with Him enough to admit when you have wronged Him by choosing your way over His way. Thank Him that all of your sins are forgiven through your faith in Jesus.

Do: If it is not your habit, make a point this week to start confessing your sinful choices to God as soon as you become aware of them.