By Kevin "Mac" McClure
In the 32nd Psalm, David testifies to the forgiveness and freedom from mental and even physical anguish he gained by confessing his sins. It's worth taking the time to read through this text (the entire psalm is only 11 verses).
Confession has been a key part of Christian practice since the beginning of the Church. Do you regularly take time to confess your sins to God? It would seem that calling our sins to mind and admitting them to God would keep us entrenched in them. The exact opposite happens. When we take ownership of the unwholesome attitudes and actions that we've embraced we experience both forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). If you wish to see the beginning of the transformation of your inner person, do not make excuses. Confess!
Don't stop there. After you confess your sins to God, profess your forgiveness. Declare God's forgiveness over yourself. Yes, make amends to others especially when that will not create further injury, but do not hesitate to declare to yourself the promise that God forgives and cleanses those who admit their sins!