True Joy Follows Forgiveness
By Julia Fowler, Worship Arts Pastor
Text: Psalm 32:5 "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'--and you forgave the guilt of my sin." (NLT)
We often talk throughout the holidays of the greatest gift being that of Christ Jesus Himself. Though I know this to be true I sometimes catch myself 'just saying it' without much thought or heart investment at all. I imagine if you searched back through some of your recent conversations you might find the same to be true of your own conversations. How is it that we've come to know such amazing grace and so quickly allow such affections towards it to be stolen?
Truly the greatest gift is not only Christ coming at Christmas but in fact the forgiveness of our sins that He came to redeem. For this to happen however, we must acknowledge our sinfulness and accept the fullness of Joy he offers. Personally I think this is where the real crux of our heart matter begins; true joy follows forgiveness. Could it be that we battle more sin in our lives than we think or admit we do. Could it be that this lack of acknowledging sin is exactly what's keeping us from realizing the joy we are intended to experience? I'm really being convicted that this is exactly true.
What is keeping us from dealing with the deeper sin related issues of our lives? Is it too difficult? Does it take too much of our time? Is it inconvenience? Is it even impossible to be a true disciple or Christ-follower today? What do you think about this?
I want to be thankful, truly thankful this Christmas, today, and beyond Christmas thankful that Christ forgave the guilt of the sin that was mine to own. I think you want that too, but we've got a lot of area's we need to work on - and I for one think we need to get back to working on them.
Really - what do you think about all this? Are you ready to get your joy back?
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