Summary

If you stumble, take it straight away to God. He will forgive you and help you grow away from what makes you stumble.

Introduction

Which do you find the most difficult? To confess to something you did years ago? Or about something you’ve just done?

There is no right answer! Sometimes, it’s easier to confess something you did ages ago, because somehow the lack of immediacy takes the emotion out of it. Confessing to something you’ve just done is sometimes more difficult because our pride gets in the way.

God’s People Have Much to Confess

Nehemiah and the people of God found one particular difficulty with waiting to confess their sins: there were a lot of them to list! In Nehemiah 8 they had spent six hours listening to the Book of the Law and confessing their sins. Then later in the month – in Nehemiah 9 – they spent another three hours listening to the Book of the Law and confessing more sins! They had let their sins pile up in their lives over many generations and therefore had many to confess before God.

Don’t Let Sin Pile Up in Your Heart

You don’t let rubbish pile up in your home. So don’t let sin pile up in your heart either! Take the rubbish out of your heart on a daily basis by examining yourself before God every day and speaking to him about any sins he brings to mind.

God will never get bored of your confessions. He never tires of forgiving you – even for the same sins over and over again. God doesn’t criticise you. He blesses you with love, grace and mercy.

If you stumble, take your sin straight away to God. He will forgive you and help you grow away from what makes you stumble. Don’t let the rubbish pile up!