Confessing What We’ve Ignored
Be encouraged by today’s Scripture reflection and prayer.
Today's Scripture
We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.
— Daniel 9:5 (KJV)
Reflection
I recently watched a video where a man boldly claimed that he had not sinned, nor sinned against anyone. He simply said that he "missed the mark." But not to go into great detail, he had indeed sinned. His unwillingness to truly look at himself and bring an honest confession before God is not something unique to him. We all can be guilty of doing the same.
It is easy to minimize sin. We tell ourselves it was just a little white lie. We excuse it because it didn’t hurt anyone. And even more, we act as if sin does not exist at all. What about the things we do in secret? The thoughts we entertain but never speak out loud? The choices made behind closed doors that no one sees? We think that if no one knows, then it is all okay. But God knows.
The Israelites were no different. Over time they began to blur the line between holiness and compromise. A little law mixed with a little ungodliness. A little religious practice here, a little indulgence there. And before long, the worship of God was hollow, reduced to ritual. Today, some still live the same way. Church on Sunday to check the box, while living any kind of way the rest of the week. A quick prayer here or there to ease the guilt, but no real repentance.
What stands out in this passage is how Daniel confessed not just his personal sins, but the sins of his people. This was a man who, from his youth, had lived in exile because of the national sins of Israel. And still, Daniel walked faithfully before God. Yet he took time to humbly acknowledge where the people had turned away. He did not defend or justify. He was honest before God.
And that is the kind of confession that brings change.
God is not looking for a perfect track record. He is looking for hearts that are willing to humble themselves, to acknowledge what is broken, and to turn back to Him. True confession is not about shame. It is about truth. It is about seeing ourselves clearly and laying it all before the One who already knows.
When we come with honest confession before God, we open the door for His mercy to meet us. Healing begins with honesty.
Today's Prayer
Father, forgive me for every time I have hidden, excused, or justified sin in my life. Search my heart and show me what I have not confessed. I want to walk in the light and live a life that honors You. Thank You for Your mercy, Your patience, and Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Before You Go
We cannot grow without humility. We cannot heal what we will not admit is broken.
Take a moment to reflect:
Are there any areas in your life where you’ve made excuses instead of being honest with God?
Have you been treating sin lightly, hoping it will go unnoticed?
What is God inviting you to confess today?
Let today be the day you stop covering what God is ready to forgive. Come honestly. He will meet you with grace.
And remember, we come not in our own goodness or strength. We come humbly because of Jesus. He is the one who made a way for us to be forgiven. The cross reminds us that the price has already been paid. We do not have to run from God. We run to Him, because He is full of mercy. He is ready to forgive, restore, and make us new.
Yesterday’s Devotional
