“…I wrote you about the subtle, yet significant, difference between the admission of wrong and true confession. Admission of wrong has two potential flaws. First, we might admit only because we were caught. And second, we might admit to only our behavior – not the heart motives behind it.
Now please, don’t mistake me. Admitting wrong and confessing behavioral action is good and necessary. Bu we need to go deeper. Our confession needs to be bigger.
Take the example of David in Psalm 51. When he prays for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit (v. 10, 11), he’s acknowledging that his struggle runs deeper than just behavior. He’s not only confessing to the physical acts of adultery and murder, but also to the reality of a heart that’s corrupt.
He’s confessing that his heart loves personal pleasure more than it loves the Lord. When he talks of God’s desire for a truthful and wise heart (v. 6), he’s confessing to a heart that has craved what was impure and that has loved what was foolish.
It’s only when you confess that your heart is corrupt that bigger things begin to happen. You turn…really turn. You don’t just turn from that specific sin pattern, but your heart turns to God in new and deeper ways.
Rather than being driven by the craving for the delivery of your little kingdom desires, your heart begins to be motivated by big Kingdom purposes. Instead of being obsessed with temporary and impure pleasures, your heart becomes excited with and engaged in the pleasures of God.
A truly broken and contrite heart will always live for something bigger. Is your confession leading you there?
1. This week, what pleasures did your heart love more than the Lord?
2. What are you currently craving that is impure and foolish?
3. What are some of God’s pleasures that you can desire and be engaged in this week?”
Paul David Tripp(1)
Dear sisters, I took the time to share the two parts of Paul Tripp’s weekly devotional because in my heart I know, that I know, that we all must go deeper; below the surface in all things that lead to life and godliness. I know too, that apart from truly confessing our hearts we simply will not go deeper, which means we simply will not grow.
So the challenge for all of us is simple: draw near to God beginning with confession!
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “instrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Director.
Victory Call 