Have you ever felt that God has turned His back on you? Maybe you’re walking through excruciating pain and loss, and it seems like He’s nowhere to be found. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes and run from Him in guilt or fear. Or maybe you’ve followed the world’s ways and turned your back on God, and now you feel certain He must have done the same to you. But friend, no matter how it feels—God is never far.
Eight little letters, yet such a powerful word—forgiven. And friend, forgiveness is freedom.
What comes to mind when you hear that word? Relief? Gratitude? Maybe even disbelief that it could truly apply to you?
For me, forgiveness was everything. More than the promise of heaven one day, it was the lifting of the heavy weight of guilt and shame I had carried for years. I knew I was a mess. I knew I didn’t deserve it. And truthfully, I still don’t, because even on my best days, I fall short.
Have you ever wanted a “do-over” or a new beginning? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished for an opportunity to take back my words or actions, to erase or fix them.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV “Oh no… not again!” I whispered to myself, feeling the sting of guilt. I had just yelled…
Have you ever believed the lie that your sin was too great for God to forgive? Sadly, I spent years feeling unworthy and unable to accept His forgiveness. It didn’t feel right or fair. It seemed too good to be true. Yet, my friend, that is the lie the enemy would have us believe.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. “ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV) Have you ever felt shattered by life, as if nothing could…
Do you remember the wonder of discovering Jesus for the very first time? Every word of the Lord sparkled, every prayer came alive, and we felt delight simply by being in His presence. As a result, we approached Him and worshiped with wide-eyed curiosity, amazed at all that He revealed to us.
Have you ever been tempted to share how you’ve been offended? It’s easy to think that if we make the other person look bad for his or her mistake or sin, then we will feel better.
Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day? Like, no matter what you do, there’s never enough time to get it all done? Some nights I go to bed feeling harried and exhausted. I wonder where the hours went and why I accomplished so little. I pray and ask God’s forgiveness for not spending more time in His Word or in prayer.
This afternoon, while babysitting my grandson, I took him up to his room for his nap. Usually, he snuggles up against my chest and allows me to sing and rock him to sleep. But today, he reared back his little head, began crying, and flailing his arms. I tried to soothe him, saying, “I know you are tired, little guy. But you will feel happier and more peaceful if you rest.” Don’t worry, we can play again when you wake up.” As I said the words, I heard God’s Spirit whisper, “Sometimes you act just like a toddler fighting rest.” I had to laugh because it was true.
