even our sin

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Psalm 146:1-10. The Psalmist declares, "Let all that I am praise the LORD!" And of course, that does mean all of the good things that I am. All of my gifts and talents - everything I'm good at - may it bring God glory.

But. It also includes our sins. See, it relates to the verse in Romans that says "We know that God works ALL THINGS together for the good of those who love Him." Even our sins. One of the saints was drawing close to God in his prayer, and he sensed God calling him closer and closer. But something was holding him back. Finally he realized that God was asking him to give Him even his sin. When he did, he was healed from the sin and drawn closer to God than he'd ever been before.

That's why it's important that we don't hide our sins. That we don't pretend they don't exist, or sweep them under the rug. God wants us to face them, to confess them, and to allow Him to use even our sins for our good.

God, thanks for allowing me to praise you with all that I am - even the parts I'm ashamed of.