I came across a verse I wanted to share today.
"If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that's why you're worshiped."
Psalm 130 (The Message)
I hope this sweet reminder refreshes your soul today. I believe it is God's habit to forgive. Not only does he make it a habit to forgive but he actually delights in the very act of forgiving. When was the last time you thought about a God who stands ready- waiting- to offer you forgiveness? I believe he longs to forgive.
Knowing this, why would we linger in the asking? Brennan Manning in his book, The Rabbi's Heartbeat, tells his own story of delaying in truly accepting God's forgiveness and love. Manning tells of the Impostor within himself who whispered, "Brennan, don't ever be your real self anymore because nobody likes you as you are. Invent a new self that everybody will admire and nobody will know." So, he did. This is how he describes it, "For eighteen years I proclaimed the good news of God's passionate, unconditional love- utterly convicted in my head but not feeling it in my heart. I never felt loved."
Could it be that accepting God's lavish forgiveness, this habit he has, would mean to truly believe to the bone that God loves us? Could it be we delay in asking for forgiveness because we can't imagine ever forgiving ourselves? For, if God can forgive us why would we not forgive also?
Manning goes on to finish the chapter like this:
"Come to Me now," Jesus says. "Quit projecting onto Me your own feelings about yourself. At this moment your life is a brusied reed and I will not crush it, a smoldering wick and I will not quench it. You are in a safe place." You are loved.
Maybe today you are in need of some grace. What are you waiting for? God stands ready. He is your safe place. Don't walk- run to him!
Blessings,
Lori
