The Greek word translated sin means to “miss the mark.” As in archery, there is a target and the best shot is right in the center of that target. To sin simply means I missed the target.

The Greek word translated confess means to “say the same thing as.” It is agreeing with what God is already saying. To confess simply means I agree with what God already knows.

The act of confessing my sin makes all the difference. When I keep it inside, it burns like a fire, consuming my thoughts, distracting me from life that really satisfies. Confession sets me free from all of that and releases me into a life that is fully alive. No longer will I be rotting from the inside out. I will be free to love and be loved; to live and let live.

David, in Psalm 32, gives a poignant picture of the effects of unconfessed sin and the amazing freedom of putting it all out there for God to see and heal. Take time today to read the psalm below. Where do you find yourself in this psalm? Are you hiding and feeling the effects of unconfessed sin? Have you confessed your rebellion, experiencing the freedom of being fully known? Do you know the careful watch of the Lord over your life as he leads you into the right path? Are you experiencing the very best life?

PSALM 32

¹Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

²Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

³When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.

⁴Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

⁵Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

⁶Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

⁷For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

⁸The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

⁹Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

¹⁰Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

¹¹So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Psalm 32