DARKEST CORNERS
Today's reading: Zephaniah

"I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem's darkest corners to find and punish those who sit contented in their sins, indifferent to the Lord, thinking he will do nothing at all to them." Zephaniah 1:12 NLT

I've never been to Jerusalem, but I'm pretty sure they have some dark alleys and abandoned places where folks could hide. Even in Bible times, there would have been places where people would have congregated out of public view to carry out sins or to hide from punishment. I'm pretty sure old Jerusalem was enough like modern day West Frankfort to state there were people content in their sins. Comfortable, one might say. Folks who have assumed they have 'gotten away' with it all.

I don't know about Jerusalem's darkest corners--but I know about my own. I can't tell you I'm capable of reading minds or that I'd dare to judge another's relationship with God--but I am well aware of how content with sin I can become. I'm here to testify that there have been times I've held to the lie of having slipped a sin under God's nose undetected. I know all about it...

The places in my heart where I have held grudges. Hurts that I'd sooner hold on to than give to Him. Old arguments that I keep stoked up in my head and heart.

The corners of my heart that I think are unseen by God. The anger, bitterness and hatred.

The issues I stuff behind my mask of service. Issues that are festering and raw--needing His attention.

I have tried to perfume the stench caused by me trying to sit on top of my sins like nothing's going on.

I have personally felt the acid building in my stomach as I refuse to confess my sins before God..

I've walked into church harboring evil thoughts and carried on as if nothing were amiss.

And I think He doesn't notice? There are no dark corners...in Jerusalem or in my heart!