Beatitudes #4—Happily Forgiven

Fortunate are those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Fortunate are those against whom Yahweh counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no duplicity. Psalm 32:1–2 cf. Romans 4:6, 8–9

God’s instructions for how to live in fellowship with him and with our neighbors are not burdensome. They provide the way to experience the joys of heaven here on earth. Like a train barreling down the track, we can experience all God has for us by faithfully following his rules. But when we rebel and jump the track, we assume the burden of figuring out the best way to negotiate the terrain of life. Worse, we take on the burden of guilt—not just being guilty, but feeling guilty. Worst, God’s disciplinary hand lies heavily on us. Silently pretending we have not sinned is unwise; we will regret trying to hide it from him. For the Lord is eager to lift these burdens from our hearts. If we own up to what both he and we know to be true, he promises to forgive us, If we make humble and heartfelt amends, he will respond, restoring us to the joy of fellowship, with him and with those we have offended. We cannot deceive him and we should not deceive ourselves. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but if we entrust ourselves to the Lord, his extravagant kindness will surround us. As far as the eastern horizon is from the west, so far does he remove the guilt of our rebellious actions from us.

O my God, because of Jesus, you can faithfully and righteously forgive my rebellion. So I ask that you will do so and restore to me the joy of your deliverance.