August 18th - Reflection

Psalm 32 (NRSV)
Prayer for forgiveness

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Selah

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah

Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Selah

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.

Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Reflection
There is no good reason not to confess your sin. We all sin. We all have something to confess. We all need to repent. We all need to come to the Lord and face up. We all need God to forgive us. We all need to turn from our sin and trust in God to lead and guide us. We all need a Savior.

And thanks be to God we have a brother in Christ. A brother who came to this earth and became flesh and blood. A brother truly human and at the same time truly God. A brother to turn to and confess. A brother who knows what we go through.

We all need Jesus. And we all have Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, as your hear my sin, lead me and teach me the path I am to take. --- Amen