“I know I’m forgiven,” he said, “but I don’t have the same feelings I once had. Will they ever come back?”
While our salvation is established on facts, feelings play an important role in our relationship with God. They come from the Holy Spirit and from God to let us know what our condition or relationship is with Him. If there is joy and gladness in our lives, we know God is with us. When we are uncomfortable in His presence and feel a sense of alienation from Him, we know there is a need for us to confess our sins and repent.
When we go to God and experience His restoration, He, as well as others, will see the fruit of His forgiveness in our lives. David sets our example: “Then - after my restoration when I am given a recreated heart - I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners will turn back to You.” When we receive a renewed heart there is a renewed desire in us to worship and witness for God. “Old things have passed away and all things are new again!” When we once again walk in God’s ways we, then once again do God’s work.
Is anyone a more powerful witness to the wonder of God’s grace than someone who has been redeemed from a hell they created for themselves by being disobedient to God’s laws? When we recover from our own self-inflicted wounds, we can recognize the pain and hurt in others who are suffering as we once suffered. We become more open to their needs because we “have been there, done that, suffered and recovered” because God continues to love us and then continues to grant us His mercy and grace.
And the more we witness the more we will worship God. Our strength to witness comes from our worship of Him.
Prayer: Grant us, Lord, a journey with You that leads us to a life that is dedicated to worshiping You and witnessing to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 51:12-13 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.
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