“We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant Moses.” – Nehemiah 1:7
It’s not easy to admit when we’re wrong. Often, we find ourselves softening the blow, making excuses, or adding a “but” to our confession: “I messed up, but it wasn’t really my fault.” Yet Nehemiah gives us a powerful example of true humility in prayer. In his prayer, he didn’t hold back or sugarcoat Israel’s disobedience. He was honest and direct with God, acknowledging the sins of his people: “We have acted very wickedly toward you.” Nehemiah’s confession was a raw and open admission of failure, without excuse.
Nehemiah’s humility is something we all need to learn from. So many times, we find ourselves offering half-hearted confessions, leaving room to justify our actions or minimise our mistakes. But God doesn’t need or want our excuses. He desires honesty and humility. When we try to dodge full responsibility, we keep a barrier between ourselves and God. Nehemiah shows us the freedom that comes when we lay it all out before the Lord—no excuses, just the truth.
Honest confession isn’t about beating ourselves up; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s truth. Nehemiah understood that Israel was in trouble because of their disobedience. Instead of blaming circumstances or other people, he owned up to the mistakes that led to their downfall. This is a lesson for us. When we confess openly without trying to hide or excuse our actions, we invite God’s healing and restoration. Humility paves the way for God to work in our hearts and lives.
Are there areas in your life where you’ve been holding back in your confession? Are you making excuses, hoping to soften the reality of your actions? Nehemiah’s prayer reminds us that humility in confession is the key to experiencing God’s grace. When we come before Him with a genuine heart, without excuses or justification, we give God His rightful place in our lives. Confession isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom.
Lord, I come before You in humility, confessing my sins openly and honestly. I recognize that I have failed in areas of obedience, and I don’t want to make any excuses. I ask for Your forgiveness and for the strength to turn away from the things that have led me away from You. Help me to be honest with You and myself, and to give You Your rightful place in my heart. Thank You for Your grace and the freedom that comes through true confession.
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