Apr 25, 2010

The Joy of Repentance

“The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness (Lam. 3:22-23).”

There’s a song I like based on this verse called “Mercies Anew.” The second verse says “When I’ve fallen and strayed, there were mercies anew. For You sought me in love and my heart You pursued. In the face of my sin, Lord You never withdrew. I will sing of Your mercies anew.” How humbling and wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love. The Apostle John wrote “But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).” When we receive Jesus by faith we become children of God, and that family relationship is irrevocable. What a comfort, a sense of total security, knowing that nothing I can do will ever separate me from the love of my Father! Even when I’ve really messed up and gone my own way, He was waiting for me to come home. And when I did, He didn’t even wait for me to get all the words of repentance out. He knew my heart and He embraced me and kissed me. He adorned me in new clothes and He held a feast in my honor. There was joy in heaven, because His child who had strayed repented and was once again in fellowship with Him.


“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin." (Psalm 32:1-5)