Psalm 25:8 – Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. (NIV)

Sometimes when I sin, I get both angry and disappointed with myself. I become angry because I've let temptation or pride overcome me again; I feel disappointed because I've let God down once more. There are also times when I think that if I weren't a Christian, my conscience wouldn't bother me, and I could freely set aside my sins as insignificant, mistaken choices. However, as I try to be a follower of Christ, my sins afflict and convict me constantly.

The book of Psalms was written for sinners just like me. I constantly find that King David of old has put into words what I'm feeling or experiencing. He didn't pull any punches or dismiss any of his sins. Like me, he knew that he was sinful and therefore needed God's forgiveness. Like me, he understood that his sins messed up his relationship with God, as well as relationships with other people.

Psalm 25 deals with sin through God's grace. King David saw God as being constantly patient and consistently willing to forgive sinners, in order to help them to start again. God could have condemned David completely and judged him terribly; instead, He allowed David to repent and then begin to relearn God's ways and reapply His truths in the king's life.

We all sin. We all feel badly about disappointing God or hurting other people. We all want to make things right and start again. As Christians, we are given this wonderful opportunity to be forgiven through Jesus. His death on the cross has paid all of our debts; His amazing resurrection has brought about our restoration to God's favour and love.

So, wherever we are today, let's take the gracious opportunity to let go of our sinful past, to be released of our constant struggles, and to experience the forgiveness of God and reassurance of Christ. Let's begin again. Let's embrace this new day as a new start on the rest of our lives.

Questions for reflection:

What sinful things do I constantly do? When I ask Christ for forgiveness, do I also ask for my faith in Him to be renewed?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are totally aware of all of our sinful ways. You know perfectly how many times we sin and why we choose to defy, disregard, or disappoint You. Forgive us for our foolish and sinful ways. Restore us to Your love and favour. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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