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Respite For the Weary
July's intense heat made me think about many many years ago (maybe about 15 years ago), when I took my young kids to a water park with a friend and her kids. First, let me tell you, I have an aversion to water parks, so this was definitely an act of sacrificial love on my part! My friend Sharon and I put our kids on the buddy system and off they went to conquer the slides in the refreshing water. There was one particular water attraction in which a HUGE bucket filled up with water and then eventually poured out all over those who were waiting in anticipation underneath. When this powerful diluge finally happened, the whole group of both young and even older people squealed with delight!
Meanwhile, because of my waterpark phobia, I was sweltering in the wretched heat of mid-July. I was miserable... but my childern were free!
Today, I aiso read these particular verses that spoke extra loud to me due to our hot summer days: When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer (Psalm 32:3-4). This verse makes me feel sweaty and miserable just reading it. I don't want to be in this place physically OR spiritually. Thankfully, there's a remedy!
My friend, let us realize that just like the refreshing water poured out all over my own kids and provided immediate relief and joy physically, we too have an outpouring of forgiveness waiting for us every single day spiritually. We have been invited to the waters to confess our sins before the One who can wipe us completely clean! He delights to see us standing at the foot of the cross, waiting to be covered with His unfailing love. No sin is too great for Him to wash away! What freedom! What redemption! What revival!
May His delighted children shout, How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit! (Psalm 32:1-2)
No need to be miserable…stand under the Living Water…and join in the joy of forgiveness.
For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 2-4
Dear Lord,
The best gift that we could ever give the next generation is sharing the truth of who you are. Please give us a heart's desire to walk with you today, in your word and through your Spirit, so that our lives will make a lasting mark on our sons and daughters, our friends and neighbors. For there is no greater joy than seeing truth embraced and faith lived out. In Jesus' Name, Amen.