White as Snow (Psalm 85:1-3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 85:1-3

We are so deserving of God's wrath and anger. He who is perfect and without sin created man, and in grace and mercy, He gave him the choice to follow—or to turn away. Sin entered the world when man chose to turn away.

Sin is ugly, dark, and insidious. Sin creates a chasm between us and Holy God. Sin keeps us from seeking Him.

God has every right to be angry with sin ... and with us. Yet, He loves us so very much, He made a way for the ugly darkness of sin to be covered with the blood of His Son. Instead of seeing the blackness of sin, He sees us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

I hadn't thought about it when I chose this psalm, but it's a perfect reminder of why we celebrate this season. We celebrate the coming of the Son of God, the Lamb who came to save us from our sins. When this psalm was written, of course, Jesus hadn't yet come to earth, but there was still a means by which sin was covered by blood, the blood of a spotless lamb. How blessed we are to know the Lamb who paid the penalty for our sins.

We really are deserving of God's wrath and anger. But because of Jesus' sacrifice, which included coming to earth, taking on flesh, and living as a human, we are cleansed of sin.

And instead of wrath and anger, God showers us with love, grace, and mercy.

Amen.

Whiter Than Snow (Psalm 51:5-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 51:5-9

The psalmist continues to express sorrow over his sin, but there’s also great hope in these verses.

First, look at the little gem in verse six: “in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” When we’re in relationship with God, the Holy Spirit is in us to illuminate the God’s word. We will learn how to make wise choices when we follow His word.

Second, we are sinful creatures. Dirty. Soiled. I know ... that doesn't sound very hopeful. However, with God’s cleansing, we are “whiter than snow” in His eyes. I love that illustration. Have you ever seen a fresh snowfall? I really believe there’s nothing quite so white and bright. That’s how God sees us!

Finally, in verse eight, the psalmist knows he’ll “hear joy and gladness” and that, even through the pain and trials, he’ll “rejoice.” We too can find joy because we’re children of God. Even when we suffer, even when we’re uncertain, we can be joyful. How? Joy isn’t an emotion, believe it or not. Joy is a state of mind in which we choose to rejoice no matter the circumstance.

Yes, we sin. Yes, we’re imperfect beings, but as children of God, we know He sees us as His beloved children. We are His sons or daughters.

In God, we are wise. In Him, we are whiter than snow. In Him, we can rejoice at all times.

Whiter Than Snow (Psalm 51:5-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 51:5-9

The psalmist continues to express sorrow over his sin. But there’s also hope in these verses.

First, look at the little gem in verse six: “in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” When we’re in relationship with God, the Holy Spirit is in us to illuminate the God’s word. We will learn how to make wise choices when we follow His word.

Second, we are sinful creatures. Dirty. Soiled. But with God’s cleansing, we are “whiter than snow” in His eyes. I love that illustration. Have you ever seen a fresh snowfall? I really believe there’s nothing quite so white and bright. And that’s how God sees us!

Finally, in verse eight, the psalmist knows he’ll “hear joy and gladness” and that even through the pain and trials, he’ll “rejoice.” We too can find joy because we’re children of God. Even when we suffer, even when we’re uncertain, we can be joyful. Because joy isn’t an emotion, believe it or not. Joy is a state of mind in which we choose to rejoice no matter the circumstance.

Yes, we sin. Yes, we’re imperfect beings, but as children of God, we know He sees us as His beloved children. You are His son or daughter.

And in God, you are wise. In Him, you are whiter than snow. In Him, you can rejoice at all times.