by Desiree Bustamante

We all know the burden of sin in our lives.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I confess my iniquity;
    I am troubled by my sin.”
Psalm 38:18 New International Version

Sin is a lot like this skeleton. It’s dressed up to appear normal and even fun but, in reality, it eats away at our very being every day. Sin leaves us with a troubled conscience, deep regret, shame and hopelessness. Unforgiven sin redirects a light-hearted, joyful nature into a hopeless, often sad, deeply angry and negative individual.

When we are troubled by our sin, we are not free. Sin torments us and makes us miserable. When we ask for forgiveness we are forgiven by Christ, cleansed by His blood and released from guilt. We are at peace.

This is also true when we forgive others who sin against us. David felt troubled by his own sin and the sin of his enemies against him. He confessed this to God, praying for relief. Christ asks us to forgive others as we were forgiven by Him. This is so we can be free and not weighed down by a hard, unmerciful and troubled heart.

When we pray the Lord’s prayer we are asking God, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to forgive us and anyone who has wronged us. He alone washes away all trace of sin, restoring us to Him. We praise Christ for His forgiveness as we are now light as a feather, set free from the power of sin.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado