Forgiveness

"Happy are the person whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the person whom the Lord does not find guilty and in whom there is nothing false. When I kept things to myself, I felt weak deep inside me. I moaned all day long. Day and night you punished me. My strength was gone as in the summer heat. Then I confessed my sins to you and I didn't hide my guilt. I said, 'I will confess my sins to the Lord,' and you forgave my guilt. For this reason, all who obey you should pray while they still can. When troubles rise like a flood, they will not reach them. You are my hiding place. You protect me from my troubles and fill me with songs of savation. The Lord says, 'I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you. So don't be like a horse or donkey, that doesn't understand. They must be led with bits and reigns, or they will not come near you. Wicked people have many troubles, nut the Lord's love surrounds those who trust him. Good people, rejoice and be happy in the Lord. Sing, all you whose hearts are right." Psalm 32:1-11 (NCV)


Many times when I sin I try to hide from God...the reasons can vary but for the most part it boils down to shame. I am ashamed of what I have done and hide because my faith isn't strong enough to realize He will continue to love me even though I have committed such sin. When I have tried to hide my sin I fall deeper into sin and into a pit of darkness. The situation tends to get worse rather than improving when I try to hide things.

When I humble myself and admit that I was wrong, and ask for forgiveness, He has always been right there waiting and accepts me into His arms once again! He forgives me and continues to lead me in the way I should go. He wants me to learn from the mistake(s) I made so that I don't repeat it. I also believe that we are able to use these mistakes we have made in helping others who might struggle with the same things in life.

When I try to hide and suffer the consequences of shame, my self image suffers. I don't see myself as Jesus sees me. There are MANY who experience this.

"To say 'I believe in Jesus' is not enough. You must be willing to acknowledge Him as the most important person in your life. You must be willing to say, 'I will do what He wants me to do above all else and above any demands that others place upon me.' If you will make that decision, I have great news for you--I can promise you a very psitive self-image. When Jesus is the most important in your life, you will soon come to define yourself in the same way Jesus defines you. You will begin to think of yourself as He thinks of you. And there is more good news: Jesus thinks you're great! He thinks you're terrific. He really does." --Tony Campolo

When I accept His forgiveness, I stand before Jesus "clothed in righteousness." PRAISE THE LORD!!!