DEVOTION – DAY 196

Psalm 19:12-13 “God Will Bring Hidden Sins To Light”

 

Psa.19:12-13 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

 

This passage reminds us that most of us are often blind to our own faults. We are often not aware of our own shortcomings, whereas others around us can see our faults. And some of us have hidden sins that we think no one knows. And if we were to ask God to forgive our hidden faults like the psalmist did in v.12 above, God will cause the hidden sins to be exposed first to bring us into a state of repentance. Only then, can forgiveness take place. God will not forgive us and have the matter remain hidden. In vs.13, the psalmist acknowledges that God is the One who can help us to turn away from committing sins through the power of His Spirit living within every believer.

 

Frank Houston was a well-known Pastor and father of Brian Houston, the founder of the popular Australian based global church, Hillsongs Church. Frank Houston had a history of committing sexual abuses against minors in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He thought it was hidden and no one knew. But one day, one of his victims reported on him to the church. Frank Houston was forced to resign from his position and he paid A$10,000 compensation to the victim to have the matter closed. His son, Brian Houston knew about his father’s wrongdoings and under Australian law, he was required to report the matter to the police especially when he was aware that there were other victims, and only one case had surfaced thus far. Brian Houston hoped the matter was resolved and that they could all move on with their lives. Frank Houston died in 2004. Brian Houston thought the matter could be put to rest.

 

Whilst the parties thought the faults could remain hidden from the public, the matter did not rest. Other victims came forward later. Brian Houston was recently summoned by the police for unlawfully failing to report his father, Frank Houston’s criminal acts of abuse. Brian Houston’s desire to cover up for his father’s wrongdoings was exposed. On 5 Aug 2021, Brian Houston was charged by the police for failing to report serious sexual crimes committed by his father, Frank Houston. The case is being tried in court later. It is sad that there are people who think they can keep their private faults hidden, and expect God to forgive them. May we all learn from Psalm 19:12-13.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the warning in your Word. Please help us to be humble and contrite and not have any hidden unconfessed sins that may stand in the way of our relationship with you. We pray these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What are some “hidden” sins that you may have that you need to confess and repent before God?
  2. Why do people try to cover up their wrongdoings and think that if they privately confess to God, why is there a need to confess openly to others? Share and discuss.
  3. How can you pray for each other to keep from committing willful sins?