Embracing Forgiveness

So David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” I Chronicles 21:8 (New King James Version)

David had allowed himself to be manipulated by Satan. He took a census of his people and brought about God’s wrath. Heartbroken and repentant of his sin, he prayed the equivalent of I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” David’s confession entailed acknowledging his sin, taking responsibility for his sin, realizing the sin was against God, seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing, and turning from his sin. He came into agreement with God concerning his sin. The result? While there were still consequences, he was forgiven, cleansed, and restored to right fellowship with God. Oh, that we could grasp the necessity and simplicity of right confession and promised restoration! Too often that is not the case. And why is that?

Sometimes it may have to do with the way discipline was handled in our life as a small child. If it was simply a time of anger and punishment we tend to put that response on God. We struggle to see Him as the loving father of the returning prodigal. There may be a tendency to be consumed with guilt, shame, and regret while sensing anger in His eyes, harshness in His voice, and resistance in His heart. Uncertainty that God would actually long for forgiveness and reconciliation we may opt for the route Adam and Eve took and go into hiding. What a tragedy that any time would be wasted on taking God up on His extravagant offer of forgiveness!

We also walk in ignorance of how involved Satan is in all of this. He is the ultimate deceiver, tempter, seducer, and provoker. While he cannot force us to sin, he and his cohorts do a masterful job at dangling temptations in front of us, using our weaknesses, and targeting the right areas. Once we give in to his suggestions, he then distorts the truth about God and the availability of forgiveness. While God offers cleansing, he convinces us it is too late, too hard, or too costly to accept it.

May we learn to live as David lived. Yes he sinned but he knew God in such a way that he was able to acknowledge the sin and embrace the forgiveness! He was a man after God’s own heart because God’s heart is always directed toward reconciliation. His experience of radical forgiveness can be ours if we would just reach out and take it!

Father, You have seen me cower and hide many times. Thank you for showing me the nature and gift of forgiveness. May David’s story be my own! Amen.

Mercy Said No - CECE WINANS
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z_SjhKJgqGg&feature=related