The Burden of Unrepentance

When we sin it takes a toll on our lives. It especially takes a toll when we try to hide it or unrepentant.

Psalms 31:9-11 says, "Be gracious to me, Lord,because I am in distress; my eyes are worn out from angry sorrow—my whole being as well.
¹⁰ Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning;
my strength has failed because of my sinfulness, and my bones waste away.
¹¹ I am ridiculed by all my adversaries and even by my neighbors.
I am dreaded by my acquaintances; those who see me in the street run from me. 
(Holman Christian Standard Bible)

 I like how the HCSB translates verse 10 because I feel it truly communicates what David is experiencing. He has sinned against God and it is affecting him emotionally and physically. I don't believe that he is only speaking figuratively here but it literally has taken a toll on him emotionally and physically.

If our hearts have not been hardened by sins deceitfulness, we will be in great distress and sorrow and it will have a negative affect on our whole being. Also, we see that  when it is discovered by others,  we lose our good reputation. It can even cause others to avoid us, and separate from us. Sin has a way of racking havoc on our relationship with others. Especially if others consider it a great sin or greater than other sins. The consequences are often even worse.

Sin will take a greater toll on us when we hide it. David talks how his hidden sin caused his bones to become brittle, and how he groaned all day long under the weight of it. His strength was drained.  (Psalms 32:4-5)

Yet, if we look at all of Psalms 32, we see when he confessed his sin that they were forgiven and cleansed. Then joy replaced his grief and sorrow.  Repentance releases God's joy and peace in our lives.