Yesterday morning I felt too ashamed to come before God and ask Him for forgiveness over something I repeatedly did. I begin most days at dawn in the presence of the Lord in worship and listening for His voice of pleasure and fellowship, and for any assignment He may have for me. Two days before I’d been given some assignments to complete. I made my notes before ending prayer so when I returned from work I could carry out my mission. However, when I got home I prepared and ate dinner in front of the television (a very draining distraction for me). After eating I just sat there watching meaningless programs, too tired to get up. I then fell asleep, waking up several hours later and went to bed. Despite my good intentions to complete my assignments I had succumb to the same scenario for two days. And each morning I got up apologizing to God for failing to do what He had asked me to do.
But on this particular morning I came to our secret place convicted and overwhelmed with grief over my sin. Instead of just asking for forgiveness, I also asked for deliverance that I may accomplish His purpose. Before pulling out of the driveway in route to work I was still praying when I received a Bible Verse text of the day on my phone.
“Remember not the sins (the lapses and frailties) of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your mercy and steadfast love remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” – Psalm 25:7 [Amplified Bible]
Tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I processed this truth. God’s forgiveness is based on His goodness---- (grace, mercy) and not my performance of good deeds! I can never earn God’s forgiveness. All my righteousness is as filthy rags before Him. It is only when our righteousness is a response to God’s goodness (grace, mercy, forgiveness) toward us that it is accepted and He is glorified.
When I got home from work, unwinding in front of the TV didn’t even cross my mind. Instead I meditated on God and His goodness as I joyfully prepared dinner, ate, and completed my assignments.
