Re:Verse passage – Nehemiah 9:1-3 (day two)
While they stood in their place, they read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God. v. 3
The confession of God’s people should be a cathartic experience. Whenever we confront our sin, we cycle through many emotions. No one wants to grieve the heart of God, and shame can often accompany our confession. Our confessions may recognize hurt and anguish as we let go of self and assume a repentant posture. When viewed from the outside this seems to be a lonely and uncomfortable place to be, and for anyone who has repented their sin they can attest to that discomfort. Whatever has brought us to a place where repentance is needed should grieve our hearts, but the catharsis is the release. Even without the promise of forgiveness, which we have, the unburdening of our hearts is cause for worship. To have a God who will hear our cries is a tremendous comfort. Worship may feel different when we are in a repentant posture than we are celebrating, but it is no less genuine. May our repentance always have an element of worship.
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