Title
Cherished Sin, Prayer’s Hindrance
Scripture
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer
(Psalm 66:189.)
Devotional
The New International Version translates verse 18 this way, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” The message is clear; we are unable to hold onto cherished sin and God at the same time. You cannot be a thief and ask God to increase your finances. You cannot be dabbling in pornography and ask God to bless your marriage. You cannot work lazily and solicit the guidance of God in business. You cannot seek the love of God and hate your brother at the same time. You will have to let go of one or the other. You cannot have both. Fortunately, the solution is simple; confess your sins to God. Ask Him to grant your repentance. He will. Then you can say with the psalmist, “Certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Thought For The Night
“We’re too comfortable to be spiritual…. We think we will be able to pursue God better without danger or hardship. And yet it works in just the opposite way. Nothing is more difficult than to grow spiritually when comfortable.” Tim Bascom, The Comfort Trap, (Intervarsity, 1993)
Evening Text
Psalm 66:18, 19: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Looking for Answers
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Is the prayer of repentance the first prayer God hears?
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What caused God hear the psalmist’s prayer?
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What would hinder God from hearing your prayer?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Iniquity”: The absence of righteousness, godliness, mercy and justice. The presence of lust, greed, hatred, bitterness and the like.
Referencing: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures,” James 4:3.
Applying: Know and confess your iniquities (1 John 1:9). Seek repentance.