Life is filled with situations beyond our control — the weather, time, even the response of another human being towards something we may say or do. Whether disappointment at canceled plans, frustrations of an aging body, or the heartache of emotional rejection, this world can drain our souls of hope and joy.
Although unable to put it into words, many students I have known believe that the challenges they face in school have entered their lives completely “out of the blue.” Seldom does a child being reprimanded see the part their own actions or choices have played in the consequences they now face.
Adults, too, attempt to avoid the ramifications of unwise choices made in a moment of foolishness. Whether intentional or a default internal setting, it is all too easy for human beings to blame someone else for the repercussions of their actions rather than admitting their culpability.
The more we exonerate ourselves from the after-effects of our choices, the more difficult it becomes to make lasting changes to our behavior patterns. Eve began this practice when she blamed the serpent for deceiving her, while Adam ultimately accused God of giving him a wife that led him astray (Genesis 3). However, no matter the argument or excuse, man has been held accountable since that first rebellious decision.
Fortunately, David shared a tried and true method of defeating the spiritual, mental, and emotional wretchedness that befalls a sinful, human soul when he wrote, “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” (Psalm 32:1) Subsequent verses clarify that silent unwillingness to acknowledge our inability to meet God’s demand of holiness will bring about groaning, heaviness, and diminished vitality and strength (Psalm 32:4-6). However, immediate confession of our sin to God ends our hopelessness and results in His protection and deliverance (verse 7).
Life brings many challenges that we are unable to control. Spiritual despair need not be one of them. Recognize and confess your sin, acknowledge that God alone can restore you to holiness, and then experience His joyous deliverance.
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