Short Devotion: Treating Ourselves - Psalm 103v10

 

Psalm 103:10 God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (NIV)

I’ve been thinking and reading a lot about forgiveness recently. I guess the older you get, you realize how many mistakes, foolish choices, and careless words you’ve committed and end up regretting ill-chosen paths, deeds, or conversations. I know that Christ forgives me, but I honestly struggle with forgiving myself. I can’t seem to let go of the past, so I carry it with me and end up with more than a few sleepless nights.

I don’t want to become a victim of my past mistakes or be held hostage by my stupidity, but nor do I want to be continually wishing things were different or reflecting where I would be if I followed another path. I want to live with what’s left of my life without being under a shadow of gloom and despondency. I want to enjoy whatever is in front of me without constantly living backwards. I guess I want to follow C.S Lewis’s advice of running onwards and upwards as I prepare to meet Christ face-to-face.

I think that the writer of Psalm 103 experienced something similar, especially when he wrote these amazing words: “God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Those words give me hope and release me from being vexed about my sins. Through Christ, I am totally forgiven, so there is a lot of room to forgive myself.

Perhaps you’re going through something similar and maybe you’re feeling the same things. I hope that you will also realize that God’s grace is greater than anything you’ve foolishly done, and that Christ’s love is larger than any regret you still hold.

Point to ponder: What do I need to let go from the past, so I can move forward with God into the future?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything, so there’s nothing we can hide from You. You could punish us with that knowledge, but instead, You save us from our worst selves. Thank You for Your complete compassion and godly grace. In Your Holy name, we humbly and gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. To see what’s currently happening at the church, just click on this link: www.erinpres.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called “Espiritu.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Espiritu.

Midweek Devotion: Restless Nights

A short devotion based on Psalm 103:11-12. Dealing with sleepless nights because of anxious thoughts? Me, too :) Here's the remedy.

 

 Text:

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God’s love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)

 Have you ever had one of those restless nights when you suddenly remember something foolish you did ages ago and feel so embarrassed that you can’t get to sleep? Me, too. When it happens, I relive that moment in my mind many times and get weary beating myself up for doing something so stupid. I feel a bit ashamed and realize I’m not so perfect after all. I have many flaws which floor me from time to time, especially when those foolish moments randomly emerge in my thoughts.

 There’s nothing I can do to change the past and that’s part of the problem. If I could jump into a time machine and prevent myself from being foolish, I most certainly would. But I’m not Doctor Who, nor do I have a Tardis to take me back. I’m stuck in the present and have to deal with the emotional consequences of doing something wrong, so long ago. If was I was left in that state of bleakness, I would soon become a miserable creature and give up any hope of healing my broken life.

 But there is hope because God compassionately cares for all of His children. His love for you and me is so vast that it cannot be measured. His ability to forgive our sinful past is infinite, so no matter what you or I have done, God will forgive us if we personally and humbly ask Him.

 It’s this point of faith which helps me sleep. My random thoughts diminish, as well as my shame. God makes peace with me and helps me not just to be forgiven, but to also forgive myself. He does this because God cares and also because of the sacrifice His Son Jesus Christ made on my behalf. Jesus healed the breach between myself and God by bridging the gap with His Cross. I am forgiven and so are you, truly, tremendously, and totally for all time.

 Q: What’s the most foolish thing I have ever done? Am I willing to seek God’s forgiveness for that, now?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about us and yet You are still willing to forgive us. We have all been foolish and selfish, sinful and shameful. Please pardon our past mistakes and help us to move forward into a better future. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 Thanks for watching. God bless you all.

 John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please visit the church website to see what’s currently happening at www.erinpres.org.