THANKFUL

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Your compassion never runs out. Your mercy astounds us beyond description. In our struggles in this fallen world, you gave us your unchanging word, Your Spirit moved upon the psalmist’s heart to pen this promise: “God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who revere him” (Psalm 103:10,11).

Wait a minute, Lord. This promise is hard for mortals to comprehend since our fallen nature demands we take revenge, we punish wrongdoing. We’re hesitant to forgive, if we forgive at all. Doesn’t your word say sin cannot be in your presence? Doesn’t your word also declare sin must be punished? (Isaiah 13:11) Doesn’t our sin separate us from you? (Isaiah 59:2) How can you say you must punish our sins yet say you won’t give us what we deserve? Then you explain.

You have punished our sins. You have poured out your holy wrath against our sins on your Son Jesus at Calvary (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:19–21). But because you, Lord Jesus paid our sin debt doesn’t mean we can live anyway we want. We must repent, ask your forgiveness and submit to your authority, or to say another way, make you not only our Savior but also Lord of our life. We can rejoice as the psalmist did when the truths of your promise sinks in: “Count yourself lucky [blessed], how happy you must be—you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean. Count yourself lucky—God holds nothing against you . . . and you’re hold nothing back from him” (Psalm 32:2 MSG). Thank you for your forgiveness, Lord.

Your power for healing our body, soul, and spirit has not diminished for those who place their faith in you, Jesus. You are faithful to all who trust you despite their illness or afflictions. Your grace sustains them to hold fast, to never quit or give up. For those whose time is coming to an end, your peace drives out fear about what lies ahead. When our body is growing old and frail, our inner man is getting younger every day!

Thank you for your peace, Jesus. Amen.