Hiding My Guilt
“ if I have concealed my sin as people do, by hiding my guilt in my heart because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside— ” — Job 31:33-34 Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, In defense of his righteousness, Job makes a statement that I know I am often tempted to do. I will conceal my sin and hide my guilt in my heart because of fear of man. I believe the lie that I am safer if I keep silent about it and do not confess my sin to anyone else. This illusion of safety keeps me locked up in guilt and self-deceit. But true freedom is found doing as James 5:16 instructs, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” When I choose to remain isolated and self-protective, I am actually choosing prolonged pain and oppression. When I admit my sin and share my strongholds with other trusted believers, inviting their prayers and accountability, that’s where I find heal...