Where Did My Guilt Go?

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. . . . And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Psalm 32:3-5

Summer heat in Richmond, Virginia—got that! Groaning all day—got that! Heart of discipline heavy on me—yes, yes, I’ve got that, too! I sure struggle with my attitude when I’m uncomfortable, but I don’t help myself when I gripe and groan and take out my frustrations on those around me.

Oh my, I can wear myself out with guilt over things I shouldn’t have said or done that I said or did anyway. I have a heavy heart when I have not made things right with another person and the Lord. This spiritual drain seems to zap me of physical energy as well. I want to hurry and confess—to be guiltless, to be free, and to have my strength and joy and peace back!

King David felt the drain of sin, too, and he also got excited when he confessed and asked forgiveness. Only then did he feel guilt’s grip loosen and his strength return. Repentance is vital to our health.

Many years after his ancestor King David lived, Jesus said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:23-24). You and I need to get things right with others and with God. Jesus’ advice is very clear and practical. We cannot separate our relationships with others from our relationship with God.

“Lord, when I am guilty and do not confess, I feel like I just dropped Your hand when we were walking side by side. I know You never leave me, but to have our fellowship restored I need to confess and turn back to You. There’s no other way for that joy and peace to return!”

If you need to deal with unconfessed sin, confess it now. Ask God’s forgiveness and also be restored to the person you have wronged.