Psalm 19:11-13 (MSG) Keep me from my stupid sins

Psalm 19:1-2
A David Psalm

^11-13There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger
      and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
      Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
      Keep me from stupid sins,
      from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
      scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.

I have a confession to make.  I can hold a grudge.  Sometimes, it is very difficult for me to forgive.  In those situations where I find it hard to forgive I also forget to reach out to God for help.  This all came to light for me this week when I was finally able to forgive somebody at work, let's call him Andy.  For the past several months Andy had been lying, saying nasty things about my work, and saying different things in different situations.  To me he'd say one thing and to a peer he'd say the opposite.  It became very difficult to trust Andy and to be completely honest, when I thought about the things he did, I called him the devil.  One of my co-workers, who is a much better person than I, confronted Andy about his actions to understand his motivation.  He began to understand a little better what was at play.  For me though, I avoided Andy, ignored him, and talked with others behind his back.  It wasn't until this week, when I found out that Andy had decided to leave the company, that I was able to forgive him.  It was such a relief - but I believe it is something I should have been able to do earlier, had I been able to ask God for help.

Lord, I am very capable of stupid sins.  The bible is full of warnings, yet I forget and ignore those warnings.  You guide us to the true treasures in life.  Instead, in my stupidity I chase the treasures of men, and find myself focused on filling my retirement investment fund.  Thankfully, at least once a week, you help me see the err of my ways.  You give me many chances, to learn and change the way I act and improve the decisions that I make.  For this I am grateful - and I praise you.  Continue, God, to keep me from my stupid, selfish, sins.  Help me make amends for the sins that I have committed in the past.  Help me wipe the slate clean so that I can start this day, and every day, as a fresh start - with my record scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. AMEN.

Thanks for letting me share.