“Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me.” -Psalm 119:133

I have often prayed this verse. It is the conviction of my sinfulness that brings me here. You and I need daily dependence on God. I hope this is a prayer on the lips of every Christian. It is good when we learn to see more of our sin. Sinful awareness brings godly sorrow which leads to repentance. A repentant heart enjoys restored fellowship with the Lord. The longer we walk with the Lord the more we will see our personal sin, not less. This could be defeating if we are not trusting in God’s purpose for our lives. It is a cycle of mercy in conforming His children into the likeness of Christ. Confession, repentance, restoration. Repeat. Instead of allowing us to sit on our hands in self-righteousness, the very fact we are not as we should be causes the Christian to pursue the Lord even more, not less. Sin will always be crouching at our door, but we must not let it become our master (Genesis 4:6-7). 

The redeemed sinner may grow weary in fighting this life long battle, but we do not go to war alone (Isaiah 40:29-31). He equips us with weapons of truth found in the Bible (Ephesians 6:10-20). God comforts, encourages and challenges us with the fellowship of saints. He provides grace upon grace in our time of need. Sin is dead to the believer as we are alive in Christ. Although we struggle against our flesh, the difference between Christians and unbelievers is forgiveness. Those who look to Jesus for salvation are forgiven once and for all. Jesus has defeated the curse which infects all of Adam’s race. Christ will help us put to death what does not belong to Him. “It is finished” was His cry. Rest in this proclamation.

Grace upon grace,

April

Growing deeper: John 18:28-19:30; Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 103