Day 7: Old Sins Have Long Lives

DAY 2

Confession and Covenant

I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong.” (Daniel 9:4–5a)

One of the biggest mistakes we make as believers is to think we attract God’s blessings no matter our lifestyle. God’s love and common grace comes to all, but “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear him” (Psalm 25:14 NKJV). ere is a two-way relationship between us and God that involves a covenant—an agreement where we pledge to do our part, and he reciprocates by pledging to do his.

Of course, a covenant works best when we enter in with complete honesty.

Daniel wants to draw on the strength of God’s covenant with Israel, but he cannot. Not fully, without facing up to the fact Israel went back on their promise to live primarily as subjects of the one true God. Daniel begins with confessing his part in the falling away. What? Did he really fall away, too?

No, not so far as we can tell from scripture. But he took the part of intercessor and identi ed with the people for whom he prayed. Moses did the same thing. In fact, Moses asked God to remove his name from the book of life if God would not pardon Israel.

Daniel’s rst prayer was one of confession, “God, you are faithful in keeping your covenant of love to those who love you and keep your commandment [“but we have not” is understood]. We have sinned and done wrong.” Here we see the prophet exercising the principle mentioned in Psalm 66:18 (NKJV): “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” e same is true for all of us. But the consciousness of sin is not the end of the story.

Lord Jesus, I ask you to forgive me of anything in my life that does not please you. I accept your death on the cross as my only salvation. Amen.

Scripture Focus: 1 John 1:8–9

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Personal Response: E ective praying begins with an understanding confession, and repentance is the strength upon which our covenant with God rests. What is your understanding of confession and repentance? How has God used confession and repentance in your life?