At some point or another, we have all felt guilty about something we did or said. Regret and fault are powerful emotions that any number of thoughts or actions can cause. Yet, they are always based in our sinfulness. 

For me, guilt can even be a part of my daily life. I put pressure on myself to accomplish more or do things better. I feel bad about not being a better wife, daughter, family member, or friend. Although wanting to achieve goals, do things well, and be a considerate and generous person aren’t bad things to want, my guilt is still based on the sins of pride and selfishness. 

Y’all, I know there are many women with whom this resonates. I could unpack numerous other things we feel guilty about, but I won’t. Instead, let’s talk about God’s forgiveness and how he responds when we confess our sins and acknowledge our guilt.

I read Psalm 32 today, and verse 5 immediately caught my attention. In it, David says to God, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

Prior to verse 5, we read that David was lamenting his silence regarding confessing his sins to God. He was even experiencing the actual physical consequences of his sin, literally groaning out loud as his strength was drained. We carry our sins in our hearts, minds, and bodies.

Although Psalm 32:5 contains some pretty heavy words—sin, iniquity, transgressions, and guilt,  it also has one word that matters to God: acknowledge! 

When we come to God and call on his name, he will forgive us because that is who God is. He forgave David’s sin and the guilt of his sin. David did not try to justify his actions or shift the blame to anyone else; he knew he was guilty of sinning against God.

After verse 5, the rest of the chapter is David rejoicing in God! He says that God’s love never fails and that he protects, surrounds, teaches, and counsels his people. Since David no longer carried the burden of guilt, God renewed and refreshed David’s heart, mind, and body.

This chapter is beautiful and profound and reminds me of fundamental lessons about who God is. God already knows our sins and wants us to acknowledge our sinful thoughts and actions. When we do, because of his steadfast love and unfailing forgiveness, he will renew our hearts and bring us to a place of comfort and joy. 

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”