I think there are no prayerful conversations with God more intimate than the ones when we throw ourselves on him to seek his partnership in our repentance. A desparate appeal for his mercy and power to overcome sin defines our dependence on him in the deepest, most vulnerable, crucial, and freeing way. His love is most profoundly experienced through his grace as he freely forgives and joins with us to fight our enemies, our temptations.
Certainly, the command to repent of sin puts the onus on the sinner, but God does not stand aloof. He rushes to our aid when we call.
Satan would love for us to believe that God stands sternly and angrily with his arms folded across his chest and reluctantly accepts us again after we have repented and maybe even done penance. But that is not who God is. Our cries to him meet ears eager to hear and a heart eager to help. He intimately understands our weakness. (Psalm 103:8-13)
He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
He delivered me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
Psalm 18:16, 17 (NLT)
His delight in his children remains unchanged even when we are at our worst. Godliness is not defined by perfection, but by repentance, growth, humility, and faith. When we faithfully and humbly turn to him for growth and repentance, his heart connects with ours and his power infuses our life.
The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23, 24 (NLT)
We need this teaching so much! As women, we cling to the idea of perfecting ourselves instead of humbling our imperfect selves and clinging to God.
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