“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.
We like to hide the evil we do. We somehow believe what we do in secret will remain in secret and what we do in darkness will remain in darkness. The most secret and darkest place imaginable is the heart. If all the thoughts of our hearts were revealed who could stand before the world?
While we might be able to hide what we do and think from others, God sees all. He knows our hearts, and there is no place we can hide from Him. Much like Santa or the IRS, He knows if you’ve been bad or good - so be good for goodness sake. Unfortunately, we cannot be good for goodness sake no matter how hard we try, so our hope must lie elsewhere - and it does.
Confess and forsake your sins and God will forgive. That’s the gospel message: confess what you have done to God; repent - turn from your sins; seek forgiveness, and God will be merciful. As for the IRS … well, that’s a whole other matter.
Prayer: O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. Forgiven me my sins and my sinful thoughts. Give me the strength, faith, and courage to turn to you and receive mercy all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.