The Joy of Forgiveness

David had sinned, and his sins weighed him down. He found himself groaning and unable to get relief. He felt as if his strength was gone and his “vitality was turned into the drought of summer” (v. 4). He seemed reluctant to talk to God about these sins, but the impact was so great that he had to do something! Finally, unable to remain silent, he turned to God.

David started by confessing his sins, and everything changed: “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’; and You forgave the guilt of my sin” (v. 5). After this confession, he experienced God’s mercy. The heaviness lifted, and his burdens and guilt were replaced with joy and gladness. He realized he could trust God to guide him, protect him, deliver him from danger, and make him feel secure.

Many people fail to experience these joys and blessings because they refuse to acknowledge their sins–they hide them, bury them, and ignore them. As a result of not seeking God’s forgiveness, they suffer from unnecessary worry, guilt, and burdens.

Today, as you approach the end of another year, don’t let the burdens of sin and guilt weigh you down. Instead of running away from God, let Him search your heart.

God wants you to be free to experience real joy. But to know this joy and freedom, you must acknowledge your sins and mistakes, confessing them to Him. Humble yourself before the Lord today. Be clean in His sight–freed, forgiven, and filled with new hope and joy!