THE REST OF THE STORY
- Key Verse
- "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." (Psalm 32:1-2)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
When our hearts and minds are closed off from the love and forgiveness God offers, we experience a withering, thirsty, empty life; but when we acknowledge our sins to him and repent, we come clean in the site of God, and we experience forgiveness and God's unfailing love for us!
Reflections
Many things from this passage were played out in my life during my amazing journey to faith (see my bio).
In between the time we moved to the new home in Round Rock and the time I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior:
"The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up." (v. 4, The Message) My marriage was really struggling, finances were out of control and the taste for something more was just never satisfied. I continued to feed it with the world, only to end up in the same place...the juices of my life all dried up AGAIN...and again, and again.
"Many are the woes of the wicked..." (v. 10) I was a very heavy alcohol drinker all through college and after, but had always been able to manage life well and enjoy it. But things began to change as God allowed it to fester, to a point where it became a god to me. The only problem was, this god was incapable of saving me or even encouraging me in any way. Unfortunately, I carried this sin into my newfound relationship with Jesus.
The Amazing Journey (from the time I accepted Him until now):
"Then I let it all out; I said, 'I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God.' Suddenly the pressure was gone - my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared." (v. 5, The Message) From that day forward, God has taken away much of what was against me (still a good amount to go), and replaced it with His grace and love, plus a sense of importance and value. About mid-stream in this journey, I finally confessed the alcohol god, and once again God delivered...four years of freedom as of this week!
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." (vv. 1-2) I pray you'll confess your sins to the One who has the power to free you. He will forgive you, and then you can begin to live a life of freedom!
Discussion Questions
1. What sins have you failed to let go of and confess to God?2. What person or group could you engage with that could encourage you to take the necessary steps toward freedom?
3. Who do you know that might be in the middle of a similar story? Be bold with them, even if it's in a simple way such as extending an invitation to a Bible study or to join you at Sunday morning worship.
doug james
February 15, 2010 06:37 AM
Great word this morning Cliff! Thanks for sharing your story and the freedom found in confessing and resting in God's plan over ours.
Terry Melle
February 15, 2010 06:42 AM
Isn't it wonderful that God makes all things new, including his children? I'm reminded that "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lam 3:22-23
randy
February 15, 2010 06:55 AM
Thanks Cliff... a great reminder of Who we can trust in completely! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co6HXUN19AY
Terri Morrison
February 15, 2010 09:26 AM
Cliff, great reminder that life with the world as our focus will always result in emptiness. Thanks for your transparency. I love how God is using you!
Thom Kurtz
February 15, 2010 09:49 AM
Hi Cliff, Those of us who know you personally can certainly testify that no one can deny that the Holy Spirit is doing a great work in your life. Thank you so much for inspiring others of us who also lost a lot of time as adults, but can appreciate more than ever God's great grace in sending us His only son for salvation, and instruction in how to receive His blessings all the time. Your friend, Thom
Betsy Doolittle
February 15, 2010 10:22 AM
Cliff- Thanks for your honesty! Praise God for four years of freedom for YOU! As I was praying over this psalm, my eyes strayed to Ps. 31, where it says,"...in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues." In my mind, when we come forward to God and others and confess, we have freedom from those "accusing tongues." Thanks for telling your story of freedom!
Ted Davenport
February 15, 2010 10:38 AM
Cliff, what a great Psalm for you to use to describe your struggles and your walk with God. I so much appreciate your openness to these tough things. Thank you Brother. You're a great example of one who truly desires to recover God's image in you.
Ed Newell
February 15, 2010 12:29 PM
Cliff, isn't it amazing how the Word of God can so specifically identify and address needs in our lives. No wonder Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is living and active sharper than any two-edged sword...and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Thanks for sharing from the heart with us today.