Wow, God! (An Advent Journey)Shembull

WOW, GOD. YOU LOVE US WITHOUT JUDGMENT.

Experience

I remember that time. I can’t ever forget. It’s with me always. In the moment, the thought did cross my mind that maybe this wasn’t the best thing. Maybe trouble would come. But trouble can always come, so I went ahead and kept going. And kept on until it was too much, too late. And I can’t go back. And I can’t make it right. I wouldn’t know where to start if I could. It’s been a while now, so most days I just ignore it. But every now and then, it’s as if it happened yesterday… because it’s there with me every day. 

Today is one of those days. I guess we all have them, when your past decides it wants to live in your present for a little while, and you wonder if you’ll ever be free. So today is also one of those days that I need to feel what God says about me. God says He loves me. God says He forgives. God says with Him, I am free. Nothing is too big or too bad for Him. He can handle it. Even me. Even this. My sin isn’t too much. I mean, it is for me, but not for God. If it were, He could have left us alone to deal with it, but He didn’t. God was ready with a plan at Christmas. He sent baby Jesus to prove His love for us and to prove that His love comes with no strings attached.

Wow, God. You love us without judgment.

Respond

No one is perfect. You and I have things in our life we wish we could take back, take away. It’s hard when you feel the weight of your actions like a stone around your neck. We all need love, and we all need to be forgiven. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) See that? There is NO condemnation for people who trust Jesus. He came to love us as we are now, not for who we might be later. In what area of your life will you let God love you? And where do you need Him to forgive you? No accusations. Just love.

Pray

God, show me Your forgiveness and how to forgive myself, even if I feel like I don’t deserve it. Amen.