Convicted of Sin, Convinced of Grace

A prayer and reflection on Psalm 38

O LORD my Lord,
You are majestic in all the earth!

It has been a long while since I have last written and you know well of the reasons of such distance. “I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” Your word at times like these have seemed so far from me, so distant from my heart. And as such, I have felt that great chasm of space that is between us; it has been a lonely place to be so far away from my God and my Savior.

Like David said, my iniquities are way over my head and have consumed me. The evil one of this age had temporarily succeeded in condemning me of my guilt and shame. Yet it is true, that I am guilty as charged — and I experience the appropriate shame for my actions. The cause and effects of transgressing against you are clear and undeniable; a place I do not ever want to be again.

This heart of mine is deceitful above all things and I cannot trust it! It lies to me and tricks me into believing many untruths: the benefits of sin, how you will not fulfill your promises, etc. But they are all lies! I shall not accept these deceptions no longer, because you have given me your truth, the Truth that is in your Word, that you have spoken through your Son. In your word is life and breath, forgiveness of sins and the power to holy living.

Remind me that I am justified, so that I can be sanctified through and through!

Though my the burden of my trespasses are heavy, you are faithful and just to forgive those who put their trust in you — to take all of that burden upon yourself, to give rest to your children the Spirit of Christ. While you have convicted me of my sin, you do not do so without convincing me of your grace. So help my God, to die to self-trying and self-power, so that I could live by the Hope of Glory that is Christ in me.

SDG