Confession Makes Dull Hearts Glad

Beloved Kinney,

One of the most common reasons why our hearts might become dull towards the Lord
is that we are not carefully, specifically, and genuinely confessing our sins to God.
Confession has a way of bringing us from spiritual dullness to spiritual joy. God wants
our joy, after all! So when he calls us to confess our sins to him (1 John 1:8-9), he is
doing it for our joy.

As I’ve been working through our 2026 Bible reading plan, the prayers in Nehemiah
have really struck me, particularly the prayers of confession. If you haven’t had a
chance to do so, read Nehemiah 9. It’s a glorious prayer of confession!

It recounts the many ways God has been faithful in his love for his people in contrast to
their unfaithfulness. Verse 33 summarizes it well: “Yet you have been righteous in all
that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.”

Confessing that contrast to the Lord in prayer does something to our hearts. “YOU have
been righteous towards me, but I have been sinful.” It breaks down our pride. It makes
us needy for his grace. It restores to us the joy of our salvation.

Let me encourage you to make confession a regular part of your praying life. Be specific
in ways you’ve sinned against God and seek his forgiveness. Then, in faith, cling tightly
to the promise that he is faithful and just to forgive you of all your sins because of Christ.

Confession has a way of making dull hearts glad again because you know the listening
ear is your Father in heaven who loves you. He REALLY loves you! And his heart is
inclined to restored fellowship with you. Go to him often, confess honestly, and
experience joy.

Love,
Pastor Josh