Tuesday, April 01, 2014

He Has Removed Our Transgressions (Psalm 103:11-12)


Today's scripture: Psalm 103:11-12

I love these verses. They offer so much to encourage my heart.

My God is merciful beyond my comprehension. A couple of years ago, the Bible study group I was in studied the book of Jonah, and the author of the study wrote about how we can look at life’s interruptions as God’s interventions. Each of us in our small group told her story, and I remember preparing to tell my own.

I’ve been privileged to tell my story many, many times, but I haven’t looked at my life as a series of interruptions … or rather, God’s interventions. It was an interesting exercise to look at my life this way.

What I saw—yet again—is how very merciful God has been throughout my life. How forgiving He is. I’ve experienced some really bad things: abuse, infertility, chronic pain. I’ve made some really bad choices, the worst being turning from God for two decades. These have certainly interrupted my life. But I know, beyond doubt, that everything has had a purpose. Everything has been used by God to grow and refine me.

I’ve also experienced some good “interruptions.” Starting a speaking ministry wasn’t in my plan, and I certainly didn’t feel I deserved to be used in that way. But God, in His mercy, gave me this privilege. I also never expected to be back in theater, but God brought me to a faith-based theater, working with young people … It’s been amazing.

God is merciful. As high as the heavens. When we accept His gift of salvation, He no longer sees our sins. No. He removes them far from us and—in His mercy—sees us as righteous.

Thank You, Lord God, for Your unfathomable mercy. Thank You for taking my broken, sinful self and making something beautiful. Thank You for removing my sin. Your mercy, grace, and love humble me. Thank You. Amen.

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