Confession Reflection
Read: Psalm 32:1-11
Did you know that there are Seven Penitential Psalms? They include our psalm reading for today, along with Psalm 6, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143. These Penitential Psalms are so named because they reflect on the themes of repentance and confession. They are traditionally prayed or read during Lent, as we recognize our own brokenness, confess our sins, and seek God’s forgiveness.
But confession does not always have to require a gloomy disposition. In fact, we should celebrate and rejoice in sincere and honest confession because the result leads to a restored relationship with God! That is exactly what the psalmist declares in Psalm 32:1 “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (NRSV).
This week, we have explored different facets of confession: We should confess that Jesus is the Savior of our lives, not us. We confess that we all require God’s mercy. We confess that God alone will save us, not our good works or earthly possessions. Our whole lives must be a confession that points others toward Christ. Now, in the words of the psalmist, we declare, “I’ll confess my sins to the Lord.” (Psalm 32:5, CEB). In doing so, we trust that God will forgive us and restore our soul. To that, we can say, “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:11, NRSV)