If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

— 1 John 1:9

Dmitry, a media listener from Belarus, wrote to tell us, “It’s been very difficult for me to find inner peace. I have tried to be a good man, and I have read a lot of wisdom literature, but that hasn’t helped me. I’m still searching.”

God originally designed us to live in close relationship with him, to rule over his creation, and to enjoy his all-embracing peace. However, Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator when they ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).

It can be said that the human race lost its peace at that moment, known as the fall into sin. This brought about our separation from God and from ourselves, others, and God’s creation. It also left us with a sense of anguish, fear, and loneliness. And to this day we are all affected by that original sin.

It’s good to be kind to people around us. It’s good to read books of wisdom. But, as the Bible tells us, we can find peace only if we confess our sins before the Lord. It would be a lie to claim that we are without sin. To regain our peace with God, we have to trust wholeheartedly in the saving power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Only Jesus can repair our relationship with God. Only he can grant peace and comfort to our wounded souls.

Father, we confess our sins before you. Forgive us, restore us, and make us whole. Give us your precious peace, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.