Repentance Is Real
I learned a long time ago to own my behavior – especially when I was caught! There are people who will insist that they didn’t do something with video evidence or eyewitnesses. I think it’s important to own my behavior. I think it’s important to admit it when I’m wrong. (I don’t think I should brag when I’m right, either!) Repentance requires a level of humility. My pride needs to be checked so that repentance can bring healing and hope to my mess. I still have some regrets even after repentance because I made some dumb and sometimes destructive choices. My words in repentance matter, but my actions in repentance matter even more.
The book of Lamentations is full of repentance and laments. It reveals a dark time in Israel’s history when their punishment was painful. Check this out…
20 “Lord, see my anguish!
My heart is broken
and my soul despairs,
for I have rebelled against you.
In the streets the sword kills,
and at home there is only death.
21 “Others heard my groans,
but no one turned to comfort me.
When my enemies heard about my troubles,
they were happy to see what you had done.
Oh, bring the day you promised,
when they will suffer as I have suffered.
22 “Look at all their evil deeds, Lord.
Punish them,
as you have punished me
for all my sins.
My groans are many,
and I am sick at heart.” (Lamentations 1:20-22 NLT)
I think repentance should be part of my daily journey. I simply stumble often and miss the mark – which is the definition of sin. I don’t want to hurt the Lord’s heart. I don’t want struggles to come my way. I simply do dumb things or say dumb things occasionally. (I think my mouth starts working before my brain kicks in gear!)
The Lord responds to a repentant heart. A repentant heart has put pride in its place. A repentant heart has welcomed the grace of God back inside. The Lord restores my brokenness with His Love and His Grace. I’m so humbled and thankful that He never runs out of either.
Pressing On!
Dwayne