The mystery of Lent lies in grief. We make time to see the truth of our lives- the chaos, the misplaced energies, the losses we glazed over. It’s easy to get lost in the darkness of Lent, to feel overwhelmed by all the things we’ve ignored or brushed under the rug. During the Lenten season, time is built in to practice confession.
Confession is one of the most misunderstood disciplines of the Christian life. The Greek word for confession is homologeo, which means “to speak the same.” In other words, to confess means I concede that something is factual or true.
Confession is NOT a promise never to commit sin again. It is also not a way to receive forgiveness- the finished work of the cross produced forgiveness! Confession is never dependent on me, but it’s always dependent on Christ.
Psalm 32:5-7
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Confession helps us be rid of guilt. It’s the practice of repentance. To repent just means to turn around. When we turn around we see the truth, that Jesus doesn’t leave us even when our life’s a mess. Jesus is our hiding place when we are in trouble. And all along, He was singing over us. Confession is the art of celebration, the art of opening our eyes and ears to see the Presence of God with us, and the heart of God singing to us.
Confess- by Jessica Briggs
I just need to turn
And see your face of Love
As I doubt
When I am fed up
When I am harsh
As the anger fills me up.
I just need to turn
And see your face of Love
As i make verdicts
When I sort them
When I am hate-filled
As the hurts blind me.
I just need to turn
And see your face of Love
As I’m free
When I don’t deserve it
When I am unworthy
As the grace washes over me.
I just need to turn
And see your face of Love
As I’m made new
When I hear your songs
When I see you’re near
As the guilt leaves me.