Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Proverbs 28:13-14 says, "Whoever conceals their sin does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces sin finds mercy. Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble." The NIV reads, "Blessed is the one who always trembles before God…" 

The wisdom of Proverbs 28:14 highlights the profound consequences of a life lived in acknowledgment of God's rightful place in our lives. This "trembling" is not about living in dread but deep respect and awe for God's holiness and justice, and with profound gratitude for His unfailing love. 

This kind of respect and gratitude fosters trust in God and keeps our hearts tender to His guidance and correction. In contrast, a hardened heart only grows indifferent, untrusting, resistant to change, and blind to the consequences of sin.

These wise sayings remind me of a few other passages in Scripture, and I'd love to share them with you from Hebrews and 1 John. These books may be my favorite in all of Scripture. I return to them often. Each time I read Paul and John's words about God's power and position, tender love, and unwavering faithfulness, I tremble and am deeply comforted.

In Hebrews 4, verses 12-13, Paul says, "For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him (God) to whom we must give an account."

Okay, now this makes my heart tremble. It's TERRIFYING, but as I continue to read, I find these comforting words in verses 14-16, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are; yet without sin. Therefore, let us then approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." And with this truth, trembling fears turn into grateful tears. 

God uses His word to penetrate even the hardest parts of our hearts, uncovering our most sinful thoughts and attitudes. He lays bare all that we'd most want to hide. We've been hiding our sins since the Garden of Eden, but we don't have to hide our sins before Him. In fact, Paul says we can confidently approach the throne of grace, knowing that God's love motivates His mercy and justice. His heart is always to help us in our time of need. Paul knew this because he had lived it! 

John deeply believed this, too. In 1 John 3 and 4, he reminds us, "…This is how we set our hearts at rest in His presence. If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything…" (v. 19-20); and this, "And we have come to know and to believe the love God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment." (V. 16-18)

Our God, all-powerful, is also only love. He knows us through and through and has compassion for us. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins through the sacrifice of His perfect son, Jesus (1 John 1:9). No punishment, no guilt, only forgiveness for our sins. His mercy and grace are incredible! So, wherever you find yourself today, allow the double-edged sword of His word to sharpen you. Boldly and humbly confess your sins to Him and watch how the Ultimate Sharpening Stone (Our Cornerstone) loves, forgives, and strengthens you. Then, find a trusted other you might confess to as well. Rarely have I ever felt Jesus's love more tangibly than I have in confession to another soul. James 5:16 reminds us that while God loves and forgives, confessing our sins to one another is powerful to root out shame and bring healing. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to always live with a reverent heart, aware of Your holiness and filled with awe for Your grace. Keep my heart soft and teachable so I may walk in Your wisdom and avoid the troubles that come from pride and stubbornness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.