Lately, I have done some soul searching and dug up certain issues that have been sitting on the shelf gathering dust and cobwebs. Paper and pen was very helpful in my case. In writing I was able to identify the things that I have not voiced before. Paper is patient and coaxed the words right out of me. Something magical happened in the process: I have gained a better understanding of myself. I could see why I did what I did; and by confessing these things to the Lord, He could meet me there and speak healing over me. I was finally able to let go of this portion of my past.

Not finding peace has a lot to do with hiding from ourselves. We may think that we can lie to ourselves, but buried deep within us we know the truth. Suppressed memories will somehow resurface. And as controlling as we think we are, resurfacing memories are definitely out of our control. They flood our dreams at night and initiate emotional outbursts – which will come across inappropriate, because people cannot read our memory banks and understand why we are so upset. Unaddressed issues show their ugly face in addictions, physical abuse, suicidal tendencies, mental illness, just to name a few. To spare us this nightmare, God asks us to confess.

Confessing is a blessing.

Remember how Jesus greeted His followers after He rose from the grave? He said (Luke 24:36):

“Peace be with you.”

Confession leads to peace. We accept what happened, give ourselves room to grieve, rise out of the ashes and move on, while the Son of God speaks peace over us.