Psalms 66: 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
God stands ready to forgive and forget, if we would turn from our sins and seek His face, but until such time, confidence in God for deliverance while one is willfully sinning is an absolute non-starter. This specific point is to be understood fully by those who are preparing for prime time, because there is a counterfeit confidence, cooked up by devils which savors of presumption.
For instance, if a person is knowingly, and deliberately indulging in sin without regret or remorse, that person should not presume to have confidence in God. In other words, wherever there is a deliberate and cherished sin, the appropriate first prayer must be for repentance and forgiveness, as this would clear the way for renewal of one’s relationship with God, and would reset the stage for such a person to have renewed confidence.
When one is sinning willfully, God may at such times extend mercy in protecting that person, because it is His prerogative to show mercy where He sees fit but this is not to be understood as a format that anyone should reasonably expect to be entitled to. It simply does not work that way.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!