Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts.
They have no fear of God at all.
(Psalm 36:1, NLT)

Why is it when I read the Psalms and the Psalmist talks about the “wicked,” I automatically think about the “other,” rather than myself.

You know what I’m talking about.  Those sinners.  Those wicked.  Those God haters.  Those others.  The ones who don’t look like us, think like us, believe like us.  Those who cause the problems in the world.

But.

Before I judge, I need to pause and turn the light of God’s word onto my own heart.  Let it be a mirror for me to look into and see what it reflects.

When does sin whisper deep within my heart?  What words do I hear?

That someone wronged me and I am right to be angry?
That I deserve something and I am right to demand it?
That what I’m doing is really okay and I am right to do it?
That what I’ve said is how I feel and I am right to say it?

Just to name a few whispers.

When I begin to listen to the whispers of sin, when I stand on my rights, suddenly, I find I have no fear of God at all.

I am no longer concerned about Him and His commands to forgive, to love others, to put others first, to be a servant.  To love as He first loved me.

Nope, no fear.  Because I’m only focused on me. Only thoughts of self.

I am so thankful the Lord doesn’t leave me to my own demise.
He knows what goes on in my heart:

“But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.” (Jeremiah 17:10a, NLT)

And knowing I cannot, He has provided a way to shut down those whispers.

1.  A new heart:

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

2. Confession:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (James 5:16, ESV)

When sin whispers, I can’t just try to stop up my ears. I can’t just try my hardest not to listen.  But I can turn to the One who created my heart, gives me a new heart, and cleanses my heart.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for shedding the light of Your Truth on my heart. May I always be quick to confess and may I desire to keep my heart free from the whispers of sin, with all vigilance, for from it, I know, flows the springs of life.

Grace & Peace