Broken communication has been defined as “a failure to exchange information, resulting in a lack of communication.” I read an article recently that stated 86% of employees say that communication problems cause many of the workplace issues they experience.[1] A breakdown in communication causes a variety of problems not only in the workplace but in our own lives.
In Psalm 66:18, the psalmist describes how this occurs in our relationship with the Lord. The psalmist has been describing the goodness of the Lord and how we should praise Him for all He has done. The Lord had answered his previous pleas and petitions, so his heart was full of praise. However, he states that a problem can occur that can cause the Lord not to hear (i.e., answer) our prayers. What is it?
The psalmist says that when we harbor sin in our hearts it causes broken communication with the Lord. Thankfully, when we confess our sins, the Lord will forgive us and restore the lines of communication.
“When we recognize sin in our hearts, we must immediately judge it, confess it, forsake it (1 John 1:5-10); otherwise, the Lord can’t work on our behalf (Isa. 59:1-2).”[2]
Perhaps this is a good time to stop and confess any sin in your life. Ask the Lord to cleanse your heart, and then praise Him for His goodness.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] https://blog.bit.ai/collaboration-statistics/. Accessed June 2023. [2] The Bible Exposition Commentary, Job-Song of Solomon, p. 212.