After bearing the burden of a guilty conscience for more than four decades, an elderly man decided he couldn't go on any longer without confessing his crime.

When he was brought to trial, he told the judge, "After living with this thing hanging over my head for 40 some years, it got heavier and heavier until I just couldn't stand it any longer." What a clear illustration that guilt is inescapable!

The judge decided to show mercy. "Criminal charges are not warranted in this case," he said, as the old man, now hard of hearing, strained to catch his words.

Confession is the key to the problem of guilt. The Lord pleaded with His people through the prophet Jeremiah, trying to get them to see where they had been unfaithful. Over and over again He warned that He would judge them for denying that they had done wrong, and for refusing to come back to Him for mercy (2:35). He urged them to stop running from what they had done and to admit their sin (3:13).

What about you today? Is there something in your life that you are covering up? It won't work. You can't fool God. Confess it to the Lord and experience His mercy, love, and grace.  — Mart De Haan