DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY August 26, 2022

Repenting With God

Repentance isn’t easy, but God promises to be with us as we take an honest look at our sin.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:13

As one of the many warnings in Scripture, Proverbs 28:13 urges God’s people to practice repentance since “whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper” (ESV). But many of us hesitate to comply, since it’s not easy to look at our sin, renounce it, and muster the courage to turn away.

The good news is that the proverb finishes by promising, “But he who confesses and forsakes [his wrongdoings] will obtain mercy.” This is the part of repentance we tend to forget: that God doesn’t expect us to do the work without Him, and His presence and compassion are constantly available (Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10). In other words, before we even begin to repent—when we first feel even the smallest inkling of guilt—we can ask the Lord for grace to start. Or, anytime we feel afraid to confront sin, we can request the courage to look inside. And if we’re not ready to turn and walk towards Jesus, we can pray for Him to prepare us.

God is present in all aspects of repentance and wants to be consulted at every step. Doing so only brings us closer to Him.

Think about

  • What makes you reluctant to repent? How can you invite God into that fear?

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