Looking through his telescope, an astronomer was making observations of the setting sun. As he was adjusting his lens, he noticed the top of a hill several miles away.

On the hill were two boys stealing apples from an orchard. One was shaking down the fruit and the other was standing watch. They thought no one was watching them, but the astronomer saw their every move.

How much more does the all-seeing eye of God behold everything we do--whether in the open or in private. This is a disturbing thought that could lead us to despair. But God not only sees and remembers, He also forgives and forgets if we come to Him in repentance and confession. The Lord promises to do these things with our sins:

• Forgive them all (1 Jn. 1:9).
• Cast them into the sea (Mic. 7:19).
• Take them away (Isa. 6:7).
• Cover them up (Ps. 32:1).
• Blot them out (Acts 3:19).
• Put them away (Heb. 9:26).
• Remember them no more (Heb. 8:12).

We can't hide our sins from God. So let's confess them and accept His gracious forgiveness.   — M.R. De Haan