Hidden Faults, Secret Sins
Scripture Reading — Psalm 19
You have set … our secret sins in the light of your presence.
—Psalm 90:8
English pastor Thomas Watson (1620-1686) warned, “God can neither be deceived by our subtlety, nor excluded by our secrecy.”
Hidden faults and secret sins are not an isolated theme in the Scriptures.
The psalmist admits, “You have set … our secret sins in the light of your presence.”
The teacher concludes, “God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
The senseless are asked, “Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?” (Psalm 94:9).
No wonder David pleads, “Forgive my hidden faults.”
Thomas Watson also said, “All will not sin on a balcony, but perhaps they will sin behind the curtain.” Praise God that our balcony sins and our curtain sins are fully cleansed.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure,” sealed by “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 6:19; 12:2).
Lent is a good time to be honest about our secret sins, humble about our hidden faults, and hopeful about the finished work of Jesus on our behalf.
Father, in this season may the Holy Spirit point us to our sins, and point us sinners to Jesus. In his name we hope. Amen.
About the author — Dale Vander Veen
Dale Vander Veen is a retired Christian Reformed pastor who with his wife, Edith, has ministered in California, Washington, and Michigan. They have three married children and six grandchildren. He currently writes a daily e-mail series of devotions.
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