Subscription Lists
Girl Meets God
by Melissa Mathews
If we confess our sins, One of my boys (and I'll never tell which one, so don't even ask) often gets into these confessional moods. He slips into the laundry room while I'm folding clothes, or he comes and stands quietly over my arm while I'm at the computer. He gently places his hand on me, then he starts: "Mom, I have something I need to tell you." Of course, my first response is a huge ball of worry in the middle of my gut. "What is it, sweetie?" I ask in my most patient, hushed voice while I inwardly groan with disappointment, afraid of what I might hear. "Well, I might have said something to hurt someone's feelings today." I breathe deeply, much relieved at the lesser degree of his sin. He usually finishes the story but I have to ask many questions to actually understand what happened. "And Mom, do you remember last year in school? Well, there was this one day…." This time I listen a little less compassionately, and it's all I can do to keep from interrupting him. "It's okay. If you run into them again, just be really nice." Then he starts another story. "And Mom, what if I…." At this point, I start to loose my patience, but I love his heart. I love his soft conscience that feels pain at the smallest hint of sin. Sometimes I think he confesses too much- but maybe that is only because I confess too little. The times I sit down and write out my prayers are many. But the times I sit to write out my sins are few. I list lots of thanksgiving. I list lots and lots of requests. But I seldom take the time to confess-- to look in my heart, to let God look in my heart. I'm afraid of what I'll see, afraid of what He'll think. I'm afraid God will loose His patience or roll His eyes. I want to be more like David who wrote:"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV) I need to slip into God's presence, gently put my hand on Him, and say: "Father, I've got something to tell you." I'm pretty sure He'll be a better listener than I am.
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned,
we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
John 1:9-10
Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.
I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Girl Meets God" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.