Power of Confession

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:13-16

I have been reflecting on the power of confession this week.

Personally, I was struggling with feelings of condemnation and fear about something that I had done. I was tempted to struggle in silence, hoping that the feelings would fade. I had already confessed to God, repented and asked Him to let me experience His love and forgiveness, but I was having a hard time letting them come in. Finally, I confessed my sin and my feelings to another and asked them to pray for me. I felt such relief, even as the words were leaving my lips. No longer was I alone in my struggle. I stopped hiding and came into the light through my vulnerability. I felt the warmth of love begin to affect my thoughts and feelings as I received prayer and words of encouragement.

Professionally, my job is similar to that of a priest. People come to me and share their secret struggles and sins. They tell me about the things that they think and are terrified to say. It is in these moments that I especially like to imagine Jesus sitting next to me. I picture Him receiving the confession and extending forgiveness and grace. I listen for the words of truth spoken in love that He has for each specific person and I attempt to repeat them back as accurately as possible.

I hope that my clients will feel like I did when I experienced the power of confession. I want them to feel known and loved. I desire for them to experience God’s rich love and lavish mercies and to discover the courage that they need to respond to God’s commands. I hope that freedom and change will feel possible through Him.

Jesus is our high priest who lives to make intercession for us before the Father. He is the one who knows our confession before we make it and has the power to pardon. Jesus offers us these incredible moments of forgiveness and restoration when we confess our sins to Him. His generosity extends even further when He directs us to include other people in experiencing our redemption. Our feelings of love and acceptance can be multiplied when we share such a moment with Jesus and a friend.

Let us confess our sins to one another. Let us pray for one another, that we may be healed.

Still Counting Gifts:

·         #755: Sharing a weekday with Ben

·         #756: Mundane errands are more fun when we’re together

·         #757: Chocolate dipped ice cream cones

·         #758: Finding beautiful shoes to wear to my wedding

·         #759: How God’s grace really does take effect the instant I repent

·         #760: When God’s love blankets my weak places and strengthens them

·         #761: The session that I was nervous to have becomes one of my most meaningful

·         #762: Freedom to include ministry and discipleship in counseling

·         #763: My car is fixed

·         #764: 3 day weekends

·         #765: Going to sleep with clean sheets

·         #766: Stunning gift wrapping at Poska

·         #767: Sharing gelato

·         #768: Being in bed on time