Message #12 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series "Confession"

by Kaye Johns

We know from King David in Psalm 51 that God desires a "broken and contrite heart" when we confess. [Ps. 51:17] He doesn’t want us to simply admit our sins and ask His forgiveness, but to be sorry for them, for it indicates the depth of our love for Him. David tells us what broke his heart, when he cries, "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me." [Psalm 51:11]

David’s relationship with the Lord was long-term and personal, from the time he was shepherd boy. He knew God; he had experienced God. The Scriptures are full of his prayers to the Lord, and the guidance and direction the Lord gave him in return. David was broken-hearted because he knew the sins in his life had interfered with his relationship with Lord, for if we regard iniquity in our heart, He will not hear our prayers.

David had regarded iniquity; he had held tightly to his sins of adultery and murder for over a year, refusing to face them, refusing to confess them. The worst thing David could imagine was not the consequence of his sins, for he prays, "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge." [Psalm 51:4] But his anguish is heard when he cries out -- "Do not cast me from Your presence...."

Are we broken over our sins? Over losing touch with God when we fail to confess them? Brokenness is not a one time emotion, but the result of a continuing act of the will as we confess in deepest humility and grieve from our heart.

Pray with me now -- Lord, we want to be men and women who are after Your own heart. Give us hearts that grieve when we realize our sins have separated us from You. Amen.

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