The Connection Between Confession and Courage

Gwen SmithBlog, Christian Living, Confession, Fear, Forgiveness, Freedom, Grace, Gratitude, Humility, Peace, Prayer, Salvation, Trials, Worry, Worship 5 Comments

In Psalm 62 the phrase “I will never be shaken” appears twice and pops up like 3D on a flat surface. Who says this type of thing? What’s behind such a statement of confidence?

David wrote Psalm 62 when he was on the run. Literally.

His own son, Absalom, was trying to kill him in order to take his throne. Nice. Talk about a prodigal child! Ugh.

Absalom’s rebellion was reckless and ruthless. Yet, in the thick of this difficult, dangerous situation, David didn’t complicate matters by freaking out – like I often do. Instead, he called out to God simply, with what appears to be a calm courage.

“My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress and I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)

I mean, who rests when their child is trying to hunt them down and kill them?

It’s as if when he remembers who God is to him, he gains confidence, and then throws around declarations. “I will never be shaken.”

And a light goes on in my heart… I should respond this way too!

When complicated circumstances and challenges invade my days, I want my first response to be unshakable confidence – because I remember that the God of Angel Armies is on my side.

When you and I do this, when we speak to God as our Fortress, as our rock, as our Deliverer, as our shield, as our Help in times of need, He hears and steps in with divine strength that empowers us.

Our knees need not knock!

They need not knock when we face external threats… or even our own failings.

In Psalm 103, the psalmist assures us when we confess our sins, God chooses not to remember them. Every failure and act of rebellion is exiled to a place unknown. A place that can’t be found on a map or globe. A place of dissolve. Of non-existence.

When broken places of our pasts have been laid before God, they are banished from penalty, as far as the east is from the west. This truth holds the power to calm the shakiest sister among us.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12, CSB)

My heart can hardly take it in! As far as the east is from the west. Incredible.

His matchless mercy demands a radiant response. From me. From you.

So, let’s breathe deep the beauty and completion of forgiveness today.

Let’s dance in wonder of the secure and sacred Strength that holds the hurting and stills the shaking.

Let’s stretch wide our souls with confession, knowing rest comes to all humble hearts that park in the presence of the Prince of Peace.

And as we breathe, dance and soul-stretch, let’s whisper thanks to the solid Rock of our salvation.

Lord,
You’re so good. Help me to remember Your faithfulness in times when I’m tempted to freak out. Calm me with Spirit-led courage. Help me find rest in You and You alone and show me how to stand strong in the strength of grace today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE

Read Psalm 62.

What observations rise from the text? Reflect on the verses that stand out most to you and consider how they can and should affect your behaving and believing today. Write about it in your journal or tell me about it in a DM on Instagram or on the wall of my blog.

Love you guys so much!

GWEN

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Comments 5

  1. I laid in bed after waking crying out for help, healing,and hope. Dispair filled my mind and heart…till I read this. Oh, how I needed these words to remind me of the love and power of my God. Dispair has vanished replaced with hope and confidence. I will not be shaken!!! Thank you, Gwen!!!

  2. After reading Psalm 62, it reminds me that the Lord is my refuge, Savior,
    Rock and Redeemer. Needed that reminder today! Amen!

  3. ” a radiant response”.
    My heart breaks when I remember I injustly harshly scold and brutally beaten my 5 boys.
    It is not guilt that burdens me, it is their past pain that causes me a present pain.
    So I am still not dancing.
    Jesus bearing my sins in the cross was a difficult concept for me. I understood it, but I didn’t feel it.
    I guess my pain, caused by my sins is the way God convinced me about the importance of his cross.
    When I focus on their pain, I focus on satan. God heals, and that is a path they will have to walk.
    Did I get it right?

  4. Wow! What doesn’t jump out. This scripture covers all. Trust in him at ALL times screams to me. He’s a God that can be trusted with everything. Thank you Jesus for being my God in everything.

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