Godliness #6 — Godly Timing

I did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Eternal,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. In a flood of great waters they shall not reach him. Psalm 32:5-6

Godly people know when to get into the Ark. Once God starts the storm and shuts the door, it’s too late. Noah lived righteously for 600 years before God wiped out his unrepentant neighbors. As the waters rose they banged on the door, but they could not reach God. David was a godly man who needed some discipline from God before he admitted to himself that he really had violated their covenant. When he silently tried to deceive himself and God about his sin, he was miserable, for God’s hand was “heavy” upon him. But he stopped this foolishness before it was too late, and experienced the joy of forgiveness and release. From Noah we learn that God is available before he shuts the door of the Ark. From David we learn of the joy of being free of the heavy hand of God. Godly sinners (not an oxymoron) have hope because God is readily available to remove guilt from those who acknowledge and turn from their transgressions.

Merciful Master, thank you for not allowing me to be deceived by the sin in my life. Grant me the humility I need to confess and seek your ready forgiveness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.