The Lie About Sin We Keep Living In
How Psalm 25 reminds us that trying harder traps us, and how surrender sets us free.
I vividly remember the breakthrough moment when I finally understood my sin—not just in theory, but in the deep-down, soul-wrestling kind of way.
For ten years, I fought the wrong enemy. I tried to conquer sin through self-discipline and moral effort, waging war in the flesh ⚔️—exhausting myself in cycles of guilt and striving. Psalm 25 reminded me of that early season in my walk with Jesus—a time of trying so hard to do good, yet still feeling like I was losing.
Then David’s words hit me like lightning:
“For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.” — Psalm 25:11
What a bold and humble prayer. David wasn’t asking for forgiveness based on his performance. He wasn’t banking on his spiritual résumé. He was appealing to the name of God—the character, covenant, and mercy of the Lord. He knew his sin was great, but he also knew his God was greater. He was a sinner, but God was His Savior.
David paints a powerful picture: forgiveness isn’t about being morally impressive—it’s about the mercy of the King 👑. As commentator David Guzik puts it, it’s like a guilty criminal standing before a judge saying, “Your Honor, declare me not guilty… because my crimes have been many and large.”
But that’s the gospel, isn’t it?
“Lord, I know I’m a great sinner… but You are an even greater Savior.” ✝️
I once saw a sign that read, “Don’t touch the wet paint.” 🎨
And what did I immediately want to do? Touch it. That rebellious impulse—that flesh—rose up in me. That’s what sin does. It awakens our resistance, not because the law is bad, but because our hearts crave control, are prideful, and erratically independent.
It finally clicked: I had been trying to manage sin instead of surrendering it. I was trying to impress God instead of pleasing Him as a Father. I was fighting the flesh without first falling at the feet of Jesus.
Real transformation came when I shifted my focus from trying to be good to drawing close to God.
When you recognize and celebrate your salvation because of the Savior, you begin to experience true freedom—freedom from the slavery of your flesh ⛓️.
Never Finished Challenge
Get low to grow.
Stop managing sin through pride or control. Instead, approach God’s throne with humility 🙇♂️. Accept the victory Jesus already won ✝️, and pursue relationship over perfection.
For some, breakthrough comes overnight. For others, it’s a daily, lifelong process. But either way, your consistent pursuit of a loving Father changes everything.
Psalm 25:8–10 says God instructs sinners, guides the humble, and makes His ways known through love and faithfulness ❤️. That kind of relationship doesn’t just help you survive your struggle—it empowers you to thrive in every season, transforming the people and places around you.
So, practically, pursue God like you would pursue your first love or dream job. Pursue Him daily, in His word, worship, and world (community + creation).
Don’t know where to start? Ask Him… God, help me to begin. Give me zeal. Help me see.
What does today say about God?
He is merciful.
He is faithful.
He is still forming Christ in me and you day by day 🔥.
What a Father. What a King. What a Friend.
Thank You, Jesus.