Psalm 32:3-11 NLT
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. [4] Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude [5] Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude [6] Therefore, let all the godly pray to You while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. [7] For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude [8] The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. [9] Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." [10] Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. [11] So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Our pup is in the process of being trained. We are struggling to stop him pulling when out on a walk. He so easily gets distracted and wants to go his own way!
We are experimenting with all sorts of collars and harnesses to encourage him to walk along side us. The best of these puts a little pressure to turn him around in order to follow us.
In the same way Holy Spirit is at work urging us to turn away from sin and turn to Jesus.
It's a "sweet" pressure from within.
Suddenly the floodlights are on and we see ourselves as God sees us - desperately in need of forgiveness.
Hopefully, we don't run from this pressure, but give in to the truth...
When our pup stubbornly refuses the pressure of the lead - we have to tug really hard until he gives in to the pulling.
Likewise, there's a great relief after giving in to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and confessing our sins. Suddenly the pressure is gone and the guilt, that felt like a heavy weight, is no more.
It's a sorry state, the worst state of all, if that sweet pressure has never been present in a person's life.
Give thanks if you feel the sweet pressure of the Holy Spirit today. It shows you belong to the Lord. He won't let go of you!
Don't be like our stubborn pup resisting the promptings. It's time to give in to God.
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