A Desperate Confession

Our wickedness has caught up with us, LORD,

but help us for the sake of your own reputation.

We have turned away from you

and sinned against you again and again.

Jeremiah 14:7

When God brought a drought upon the people of Judah, they realized the extent of their sin and appealed to God. In essence, they had been “caught” in their sin. It was only when they could no longer deny the reality of their sin that they approached God in prayer. They prayed that the Lord might save them because of his own reputation. Surely, they thought, God would not want the world to see his people wiped out.

Sometimes we, too, suffer the disastrous consequences of our sins and are forced to admit, belatedly, that “our wickedness has caught up with us.” Let us not offer God halfhearted repentance. Pray that genuine sorrow may take root in your heart, so that God can work lasting change in your life.

• Dear Lord, my wickedness has caught up with me . . .