The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
It is abundantly clear to me that our sins are removed from our Savior's mind yet they continue to rear their ugly heads and cause us to stumble. How is it that if Almighty God himself can cast them as far as the east is from the west and choose to never revisit them that we believe it is our responsibility to keep them present? Is it our pride that won't allow us to believe that forgiveness is complete? Or is it just the lack of faith that pushes us back into the darkness of unbelief and despair?
Sin hinders our relationship with our Savior. Not just because we fail to repent, but rather that we choose to remain captive to the power it holds over our hearts. When we go to God with our sin He is faithful always to forgive it. There is nothing more He wants for and from us than a restored relationship with Him. The love He has for us is ever present...never diminished and never faltering. It is complete and full. Our love for Him however can often dwindle because of our struggle to see Him in difficulties.
Therein lies the issue of the body taking care of itself. When we are struggling with a certain area in our walk, God will send comfort and strength in ways we never expect. Sometimes that comes in the form of just sitting alone with Him and meditating on His truths. Other times it may come from a brother or sister in the Body who He sends to minister to us. Either way, God is at the heart of it all or it is useless. He knows us individually and personally and only He can supply our need. His way.
It is easy to become heavy hearted and burdened for those we love who are struggling. Often it becomes too much for our hearts to bear and we also begin to struggle along with them. This doesn't need to be our default. I admit....it can be mine. But if I believe that "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love", then I need to believe it fully and without hesitation.
1John 1:5 says "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." I have to keep my eyes on Jesus and His light will guide my path just where I need to go even in my despair. He is faithful to the end. My struggles need to be released to Him and allow Him to make all things new. His ways are perfect, His timing perfect, His forgiveness perfect, His love perfect and never ending. Praise God!
It all comes down to this..."Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. " Romans 8:1-2 I am free indeed!
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