Grief over Sin
Go to God with this list. Tell Him (or copy this into your journal), “Lord, I’m so sorry for this sin of ________________________ (be very specific). I confess this to You as sin; I say it out loud: ____________________________ is sin. I have been excusing ________________________ in my life with the reasoning that _______________________ made it justifiable. I used to think I was pretty good, that I just needed some minor adjustments. Now I see ____________________________. I now reverse those rationalizations by honestly confessing that You have been right all along. ______________________ is sin and I have no excuse. I bring it into the light of Your truth; and as I hold this sin of ______________________ __________ in my hand, I feel ________________________. I’m so sorry, Lord, and I humbly ask Your forgiveness. Help me as I turn from this sin.” When I think about how I allowed this sin in my life for so long, I feel ____________________. This sin used to be so attractive but now my feelings are _________________________. My perspective on this sin has changed from _________________________ to _____________________”
Lord, thank You for changing my heart. You have produced such a deep grief in me over what I’ve done. I have excused the inexcusable and blamed others for that which I’m responsible. I see that as sin now, and I’m turning around. As best as I know how, I’m repenting of all the things that have kept me dry and distant from You. It makes me sick just to think of how I’ve allowed this to linger in my life.
But by Your grace I am dealing with it now. Already I sense that You are welling up in me the hope of restoration and the rightness of reconciliation to You. Don’t stop, Lord! I am stepping out in faith, performing deeds in keeping with repentance. Thank You for this renewed season of mercy to get this work done. I’m getting on the right road and I’m not looking back. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
