Today’s Reading, Psalms 102-104
Focal Scripture: Psalms 103:3-4 “He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion.”
Forgiveness is a big deal. Not only when it is received but also when it is given. I have personally been forgiven by people who I didn’t deserve it in my life. I also have forgiven others even when they wounded me greatly. In my opinion, giving someone forgiveness is much more difficult than receiving forgiveness. Why? Because when I forgive someone, it means I have to humble myself and put my pride to the side. However, when I am forgiven, it requires nothing on my end. I just received that from another person.
In today’s reading, we see how the Lord forgives. David tells us that he forgives all iniquities. This means every sin. He also heals every disease, and the greatest disease is sin. Then David goes into a plethora of positives. Forgiven people are redeemed, crowned with love and compassion, satisfied, and renewed like an eagle. David knows that when the Lord forgives, it not only affects the soul but also the entire body.
I think as believers, we move too fast past God’s forgiveness. We forget that he knew we were going to sin. We gloss over the reality that God sent his son to forgive our iniquity. Then, after we are forgiven, the Lord works in our lives. He gives us hope and peace. God touches not only the heart but also the life of a forgiven person.
I challenge you today to bask in the light of the Lord’s forgiveness. Realize that the one who can find you guilty provided a way out of your sin. Not only a way out but also a way to thrive in this life. The Lord’s forgiveness also gives us hope that lasts for all eternity.
I am not sure about you, but I let the cares of this world get to me entirely too often. Today, I have been weighed down by life and struggles. To battle that, I need to remember how much I have been forgiven. I have eternal hope. I have been changed in a radical way. My thinking has to change and must focus on the finished work of Christ.
When you struggle, focus on the Lord’s mighty hand and his forgiveness. It will change your life and your perspective.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Samuel 5 & 1 Chronicles 11-12
