Joy In Forgiveness

Scripture:

Psalm 32:1, 2
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those whose record
the LORD has cleared of guilt. (NLT)

Observation:

As imperfect, sinful human beings, there is never a day that we do not disobey our perfect and holy God, and for many people (as it had been for me) I was totally unaware that my lifestyle was one of total disobedience; going against the very grain of God’s will and purpose (Psalm 36:1-2). It was not until I began to know and understand the LORD our God that I came to realize just how undeserving I was for God’s mercy and grace and forgiveness. My lifetime of rebellion and total disregard for God was more than enough reason for His wrath to be poured out on me. But what an incredibly loving and forgiving God we have, my friends, One who gives us chance after chance to admit our rebellion and ask for His forgiveness, so that He can put our sinful life to rest and remember it no more!

Application:

When we are able to live our lives freed from the guilt and shame that had once held us captive and in the dark, it will bring an incredible amount of everlasting joy knowing that the LORD has cleared your sin debt forever and given you a new start and a new life in His Son, Christ Jesus (Romans 6:22). And once your old life is dead and buried you will be able to move forward with renewed hope and strength knowing that the Lord of the universe is for you and directing your path. When Satan, the ruler of this fallen world, no longer controls the way you think, God will not only give you the wisdom to except this life as it is, but He will also give you the power to overcome it and change (Romans 12:2).

Prayer:

I come humbly before you, O LORD, thanking You for Your abundant mercy and grace. I cannot express the joy You have given me through Your forgiveness and for giving me a new life that brings You glory; a life that has given my life-journey hope for tomorrow, peace about the past, and the joy for today—a joy unlike any I have ever experienced. Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Amen