I Lied - James 5:16
I had lied. Plain and simple. Not sure why I chose to say what I did, but the truth was - I had not been honest. This wasn’t something I usually did, so it had quite the shock value to my heart. It wasn’t like there was even any good reason to say what I had said about “the towel”. It just spilled out of my mouth, like maple syrup falling over pancakes - fast and easy. Honestly, I was shocked at myself. Why? How come? I didn’t think I needed to impress her. She looked at me with a simple knowing look. You know the kind. It’s how your mom looked at you when you took the cookie out of the cookie jar and then said you didn’t. She said nothing and graciously the conversation moved on. Can I just stop and ask you if this has ever happened to any of you or am I all by myself out here? Over the next two hours, God kept whispering, you need to confess. I wrestled. He was gentle but firm and completely insistant. Arriving home and retreating to my studio, I opened my bible to James 5:16. It practically leapt off the page at me. I’ve been a believer for a long time and I’ve read this verse many, many times over my life, but in that moment, I fully grasped the truth of it. Ugh! Relenting, I got in the car and drove to my friend’s house. I was miserable. Explaining that I had outright lied and asking for her forgiveness was a turning point for me 15 years ago. After I was done, together we asked God to forgive, help, and cleanse. The chains that were holding my heart bake were immediately gone. It changed the trajectory of my growth. This incident also helped to establish a rhythm of confession for me. I started paying attention to my heart and even little things that seemed to niggle away at what God was whispering to me or asking of me.
Confession is like a “Shout” wipe. If we use it on the stain, we can be free. Just like it instantly removes the stain, confession removes the chains and makes you free. James 5":16 is a powerful key. If you are struggling with a habit or something that you know God is not pleased with, find a friend you can trust and confess to them and then together go before our gracious, merciful God and tell Him. Freedom is just a confession away. If you do this and would like to share your story, please add it into the comments. If you want to remain anonymous, just e-mail it to me and I will post it for you anonymously. When you open your mouth and confess, the chains are broken and you are free.
Until We Chat Again,
Crystal
