My department was moving to a new floor. We were told our new spaces had been cleaned already by the previous occupants. We hoped that was the case. From a distance they looked clean.
However, as we walked into the cubicles and took a closer look, we were disappointed. The desks and cabinets were filthy. It took lot of cleanser and elbow grease to get the spaces clean enough for us to feel comfortable moving in. I was tempted to complain because I hate dirt and filth. But the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “The desks and cabinets are like your heart.”
That took me by surprise. What kind of comparison was that? I thought on it for a moment and came to a humbling conclusion. While on the outside I might look “clean,” a close look inside would show my heart was soiled by unconfessed sin. The longer I wait to confess sin, the harder it is to hear from God and allow Him to wash away my sin.
Just as I was upset that the spaces were so dirty, how much more the Holy Spirit must be grieved when I allow sin to fester in my heart. Once I thoroughly cleaned my space, I was happy to move in. The Word tells us that “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).
By confessing sin daily, our hearts become a clean and welcoming place where God is able to move and speak clearly to us.
Memory verse:
“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
– Psalm 51:2 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Dear God, thank You that You want to always be at work in my heart. Thank You for always being available to hear my confession of sin. Let my heart and spirit be washed clean by Your mercy and grace. Allow me return to sweet fellowship with You by confessing the sin of….”
Contributing Writer:
Marietta Taylor
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