There Are Ways Of Covering Sin.

                                             When The Door Slams

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.                  Proverbs 28:13-14 NIV       

            There are two ways of covering sin. The first is by our own effort, which, in our society, is called a cover-up. Every political junkie knows that politicians get into more trouble covering up their crimes rather than not committing them to begin with, and the same is true for us. If you have a secret habit, a guilty conscience, or a moral failure, Proverbs 28:13 is warning. Do not try to cover it up or explain it away. 

            There's another way of covering our sin, and that's by confessing it. Psalm 32:1 says, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Isaiah said, "The iniquity of Jacob will be covered....For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 27:9; 61:10). 

            Think about this: It is not a sin to be tempted, for everyone is tempted. The devil will tempt you, but he can tempt you only as far as God permits-and God always provides a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The sin is in yielding to temptation, instead of seeking God's power to escape. 

            When you face temptation, follow Jesus' example. Satan will say, "for a moment's bowing of your head to me, the money, the fame, the business, the success and power, will be yours." But do what Jesus did. Jesus didn't argue with Satan; Jesus didn't debate with him; Jesus didn't rationalize. Instead He replied, "It is written...." Jesus responded to the enemy's temptation with the simple but strong truth of God's Word, Scripture. 

            Hidden sin yields the crop of guilt, but confession brings release and peace. Is there something in your life that needs to be covered? Don't try to hide it. Confess it, and let the blood of Jesus Christ cover your guilt with the flow of the Holy Spirit. 

            Intercession: O LORD, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness with those who love Him and with those who obey His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity; we have been wicked and have rebelled, even turning away from Your commandments and from Your judgments. To the LORD our God belong mercy and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God to walk in His laws which He set before us through His servants the prophets (Daniel 9:4-5,9-10).

 Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.