December 28 | The Joy of the Penitent
“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that time of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” - Acts 3:19
As you seek to experience that “divine examination,” God will begin ushering in your soul a deep sense of conviction over your sins. Suddenly a gripping sense of godly sorrow and displeasure drapes over your whole being, as God uncovers our hidden faults and flaws (2 Corinthians 7:10). And in the light of your spiritual awakening, a deeper appreciation for the holiness and majesty of God begins to envelope you. You are now ready to repent.
True and genuine repentance is God’s call to everyone. It is a mandate of God to all seeking revival and restoration (Acts 17:30). For repentance to be realized, you must first delight in the holiness of God, without which, you won’t have any standard or basis to judge sin. Actually, sin is anything that violates the standard of God. And so in repentance, you acknowledge that you have offended the Righteous Judge and because of that, you’re sorrowful and broken. It is not about your ego being bruised or your self-esteem damaged, but is about acknowledging you have offended God and as a result, you seek His forgiveness and compassion (Psalm 51:4).
In repentance, we break the dominion of sin and release us from its captivity, by the power of God’s forgiveness. Because as long as we are bound by sin, the life of God and His power is deactivated within us. But the moment, we humbly repent of our sins, God is “just and faithful” to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9). Then, God restores us to Himself as well as the blessing and favor that comes with being His forgiven child.
With the backdrop of worldly revelry and amusements in these days leading to a new year, godly sorrow and repentance may seem to be out of place. But why follow the world and its brand of joy, when God’s joy is waiting for you now when you repent? (Luke 15:7). Our joy is not in sin and in concealing it (Proverbs 28:13). But it is in God’s forgiveness and having His blessings and favor restored to us.
The next 365 days that are ahead of us in 2018 are very precious gift of God to be wasted in sin and weaknesses. Get ready to serve God freely – repent and change your sinful ways. Begin positioning yourself to be a blessing to others and to His work. Repentance is your key to prosperity and wholeness. Don’t put it off any more. Repent now and experience once again that refreshing presence of God in your life!
True and genuine repentance is God’s call to everyone. It is a mandate of God to all seeking revival and restoration (Acts 17:30). For repentance to be realized, you must first delight in the holiness of God, without which, you won’t have any standard or basis to judge sin. Actually, sin is anything that violates the standard of God. And so in repentance, you acknowledge that you have offended the Righteous Judge and because of that, you’re sorrowful and broken. It is not about your ego being bruised or your self-esteem damaged, but is about acknowledging you have offended God and as a result, you seek His forgiveness and compassion (Psalm 51:4).
In repentance, we break the dominion of sin and release us from its captivity, by the power of God’s forgiveness. Because as long as we are bound by sin, the life of God and His power is deactivated within us. But the moment, we humbly repent of our sins, God is “just and faithful” to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9). Then, God restores us to Himself as well as the blessing and favor that comes with being His forgiven child.
With the backdrop of worldly revelry and amusements in these days leading to a new year, godly sorrow and repentance may seem to be out of place. But why follow the world and its brand of joy, when God’s joy is waiting for you now when you repent? (Luke 15:7). Our joy is not in sin and in concealing it (Proverbs 28:13). But it is in God’s forgiveness and having His blessings and favor restored to us.
The next 365 days that are ahead of us in 2018 are very precious gift of God to be wasted in sin and weaknesses. Get ready to serve God freely – repent and change your sinful ways. Begin positioning yourself to be a blessing to others and to His work. Repentance is your key to prosperity and wholeness. Don’t put it off any more. Repent now and experience once again that refreshing presence of God in your life!
