Psalm 32:8-9
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Devotion
One of the great benefits of honest confession is that the guidance of God returns to the life of the one who has confessed their sin. Unconfessed sin leads us into the “self-directed” life instead of the “God-directed” life. When fellowship with God is restored through confession, the guidance of God becomes operative again in our lives. Please notice that David compares a believer who will not be led by God to a stubborn mule.
The whole process of spiritual maturity is moving people from being “self-centered” beings to a place where they become “God-centered” beings. Honest confession is a key component to spiritual maturity. We can be like a stubborn mule and kick against the will of the Master, or we can surrender our will to the Lamb of God and experience the abundant life He has to offer. The choice is ours!
Questions to Ponder:
We all sometimes fall into the trap of the “self-directed” life. When this happens, are you able to quickly recognize your sin and confess it to God? How does it make you feel to know that God is in charge of your life? Are you daily being transformed into the image of Christ as you surrender your will to God? Are you daily presenting your life as a living sacrifice to God?
Prayer Points
- Praise God for His grace, mercy, kindness and forgiveness.
- Thank Him that as you confess your sin, He forgives, He hides us in Him and helps us in and through the consequences.
- Praise Him for the return of His provision, power, counsel, guidance to your life. Thank Him that Your relationship is always secure and that His forgiveness restores our fellowship with Him.
Suggested Prayer
Merciful God, You are so kind, compassionate. You are faithful to watch over Your Word and faithful to finish what You have started in and through my life. You do this to bring honor and glory to Your great Name. Thank You Lord that nothing could wash away my sins, accept the blood of Jesus Christ. You have made me clean. You have set me free. You have blessed me and I confess that I am richly loved and secure. Thank You Lord for having me covered, that even when I make a mess of my own life, that You bring good out of that when I turn toward You and agree that I am a sinner. It’s a win-win situation.
Help me to always remember Your amazing grace. Help me to always remember how deeply loved I am and how forgiven I am. Help me in return to love others well and forgive just as You have forgiven me. I have Your peace and joy knowing that You are Sovereign over my life and I confess once again. I trust You and Your ways. In the Name of Jesus Christ I ask all these things. Amen.