Confession is critical in prayer, for it not only reminds us of what we’ve done, but of who we are. After all, the essence of sin is pride, the sort of self-flattery (verse 2) that elevates ourselves into the place of God. The thoughts, words and actions we usually associate with sin are simply the symptoms of this fundamental heart condition, this self-worship.

What is the solution? The only way to stop worshipping ourselves is to worship God. And that involves admitting that because God alone determines right from wrong, it is God alone Who gets to judge our thoughts, words and deeds. It is His righteousness that is like a mountain (verse 6), not ours.

Yes, the proud worshipper of self imagines that he is wise enough to chart his own course. But the only way to stay on the right path is to remember that God is the only source of true light, the only One Who can guide our steps so that we don’t slip (verse 9). And that’s because the God Who created all of us is the only true source of life (verse 9). So if we imagine we don’t need Him, we’ll get about as far as a car does without gas, and we’ll be as useful as your computer or cellphone without any electricity.

And God is also worthy of our worship because He is faithful to all of His promises (verse 5). For He not only promised to provide a perfect sacrifice so that all those who trust in Christ might be forgiven of all our self-worship. No, He also promises to cleanse us, to restore us to a right relationship with Him. And He does all of this because of His faithful, covenant-keeping love.

So, sure, we can go on in proud self-focus, but such self-delusion only leads to death (verse 12). Wouldn’t it be better instead to turn our hearts and minds to the God Who loved us enough to die for us?

Psalm 36 (NASB)

For the choir director. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord.
Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For it flatters him in his own eyes, Concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it.
3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil.
5 Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies.
6 Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are like a great deep. O LORD, Thou preservest man and beast.
7 How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.
8 They drink their fill of the abundance of Thy house; And Thou dost give them to drink of the river of Thy delights.
9 For with Thee is the fountain of life; In Thy light we see light.
10 O continue Thy lovingkindness to those who know Thee, And Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride come upon me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the doers of iniquity have fallen; They have been thrust down and cannot rise.