FUTILE COVER UPS

Prov. 28:13 People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy.  NLT

        It has never worked and it never will.  Whenever we try to cover over our sins we make a mess of things and our lives.  We may be able to hide our sins from others, but we can never hide them from God.  Sin in our hearts keep us at odds with God.  There is guilt and shame that plague us.  There is no peace with God, no joy in our living.  If we get caught by others, then there is additional consequences to pay.  Trying to hide sin, is never a good idea.

       God is merciful to all who sincerely repent of their sins.  Notice that part of the key for us to receive mercy is to forsake our sins.  This means that we walk away from them.  We put them behind us and strive to not do them again.  We break the habit of our sins.  We allow the Lord to change our character so we don’t repeat them over and over again.  True repentance must include our forsaking sin.  The Lord changes our desire to sin and if no change is noted, then true repentance has not happened.  It is easy to confess our sins and seek forgiveness, but it is much harder to forsake them. 

       The Good News is that whenever we come clean and confess our sin and endeavor to forsake them we are forgiven by God.  If you are struggling with sin in your life, ask the Lord to change the desires of your heart so that you no longer want to sin.  You can try to cover up your sins, but it never has and never will work.  The soul is never at rest while sins are tried being covered up.  It is an exercise in futility.  Even if you can hide your sins from yourself and others, God sees them.  He will not ignore them no matter how much we may want Him to or convince ourselves He does.

       Examine your heart today.  Be honest about what you find there.  If you don’t see any sin there, ask the Lord to search your heart.  Confess your sins as they are exposed.  Ask the Lord to forgive you and determine in your heart to forsake them.  God will be merciful and forgive you and give you peace so your soul can then prosper in the wonders of His grace. 

      And, just a word of caution.  Don’t ever get the idea that you do not sin.  You do.  We are not God; we are not perfect.  Be quiet before God and let Him show you things that are not right, and He will.