I’m so grateful for God’s amazing compassion for me when I look back over my life. One very significant time from many years back comes to my mind. I found myself in a place of deep grief and regret for failing again in an area of my life where I thought I’d already gained victory. There I learned what godly sorrow that produces repentance that leads to salvation (2 Cor. 7:10) looks like as I shed many tears before the Lord. On one of the worst of days, walking outside, I laid down on our deck, hugging my tattered bible, tearful eyes closed, calling out to God. As I lay there, I opened my eyes looking up at a sky filled with cumulus clouds. Staring at them, the clouds over me seemingly began to move downward toward me, and I suddenly felt God’s warm, comforting presence envelop me. I felt His love, His forgiveness, and His great compassion like I’d never experienced before, and I was able to move forward in a freedom I’d not known. He loves me, He loves you. There is nothing going on in our lives that can separate us from the love of God. Nothing.
Bonus – I’ve found that gratitude for the kindness He continually shows me is what helps me extend mercy and compassion to others. Even in sharing this memory, He reminds me afresh just how beautiful His love is.
Is there an area of your life that the enemy has been beating you up over? Run to your Father…He will meet you on the sweet road of repentance.