Soul Poison by David Jeremiah

Monday, August 21

Soul Poison 

When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. 
Psalm 32:3 

Recommended Reading 2 Samuel 12:1-5

There are two extremes. Those who rush to the doctor for every ache and pain and those who avoid the doctor at all costs, telling themselves, “It’s not that bad.” But when an issue does need attention, covering it up only makes it worse. If this is true of the physical body, how much more so of our souls.

When we are silent about our sin and shortcomings, our souls suffer. What begins as intentional minimizing of sin turns into blindness to both the sin and its effects. Our view of ourselves is skewed. We begin to say, “This is just who I am.” Sin not only damages our connection to God, but our connection to others.

David learned this firsthand when he tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. When the prophet Nathan confronted David, the cure for sin’s poison was revealed. As we confess and repent, God welcomes us back. Although the consequences of our choices remain, God’s forgiveness and the penetrating light of His truth bring life and restoration to our souls and relationships.

God’s arrows of affliction are sharp and painful so He can get our attention. He won't let His beloved children get away with sin because He knows it robs us of blessings, opportunities, and even character refinement.
Charles Stanley