Thursday; February 11

One of the greatest foul-ups in the Bible comes from one of its greatest heroes. There are a lot of stories of sin in the Scriptures, but David’s sins before, during and after he met Bathsheba included everything from lust to murder. His actions had to be embarrassing to the king and devastating to the man who loved his Lord. Yet, somehow David regained his status as a leader and his place as a child of God. Have you ever thought about how he was able to do this? First and foremost, he sought God’s forgiveness, but almost as importantly he had to be willing to pardon himself and move forward with his life. I cannot imagine everything that was going through David’s spirit as he reflected on his sin, but he provides us with a glimpse when he writes, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” (Psalm 51:10-13). When David trusted that God would forgive him, he was able to recommit himself to His relationship with his Heavenly Father and his ministry to his kingdom.
When we sin, are we willing to seek God’s forgiveness and allow ourselves to regain the spiritual traction in our lives? Sin can be embarrassing and may cost us the respect and good will of others, but if we ever hope to move forward eventually, we have to be willing to put it behind us.
Is there something that is keeping us alienated from God and sidetracked from living up to our potential? Now is the time to seek forgiveness: from God and from ourselves.
Think About It!

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