The Joy of Forgiveness

    Psalms 32   

                                                  The Joy of Forgiveness.     

     In the corner I sat on the pedastool I knew all too well.  But instead of being praised I was enduring a time-out session which was a consequence of fighting with my sister.  My daddy was determined that I would not get up and do anything until I reflected on the wrongs in the situation.  He stood His ground firmly.    He didn’t care how long it took I was not going anywhere until I knew and understood why I was in the same  seat  now only in a corner.  Every so often my daddy would poke his head around the corner and see that I was still in the same position as when He first turned away from me. My hands were still stubbornly attached to my hips. Day by day He  would visit me and bring questions to ponder.  Then once more turn away and I would be left upon my pedistool to reflect on the situation.   Then one day, about 6 months later I finally told my Father that I was sorry I knew that I had done wrong but I knew only what I could see. He urged me to dig a little deeper into the situation at hand but I did not know or understand. I still remained in time out even though I was sorry. Daddy just really wanted to make sure I knew exactly what I was sorry for. The loving Father that He is would often come and bring special words or stories, that would eventually show me the whole picture.  I then realized that I was quilty of far more things then I was sorry for in the beginning.  I told Him that I now understood and was sorry for the whole lot of it and that I really, really, really wanted to try not to do it again.  He reaffirmed His love for me, when he held me in His arms and said:  I love you, Please remember that I am the Father and you are the child.  I will handle all things. He forgave me and placed before me the biggest bowl of ice cream I could have ever imagined.  I am now enjoying His laughter and the sweetness without any guilt.     

      How often do we reflect on our wrongs? Really! I mean we reflect on those of the surface, but we don’t dig deep enough.  We begin to dig when  we are all covered up and smothering, gasping for the breath of Jesus to come and dig us out of this rock that is so planted in the soil of our souls.     

     Just when you think there is no light on the other end, the rock begins to piece away and in little rays of light you begin to see glimpse of our savior.  Even though you get glimpses of Him, at times you still sit and wonder if you are ever going to see His full glory.     

      He peers through that rock  visiting often shinning some light and tells parable after parable, and lends words of encouragement, saying, I am going to get you out from under this rock that you have created but you have to understand what I need from you.  Everyday, the light gets brighter . Then there he is.  Bam as if coming from out of no where.  I held on to him asking for his forgiveness and he smiled and said, now that the soil of your soul is rock free, take up your cross and follow me.     

     I am now guilt free, though I face the fall of sin everyday, I pray that this session of time out is enough to last, I pray that I will take what I have learned and apply it everyday, seeking the absolute bottom of the sources of my sins. God has created a work in me and as long as I am on this earth, he will continue to derock my soil so that I may bring forth beautiful flowers for His kingdom. He is my daddy, and he will handle all things. Lord I give you the authority over my life. I desire from now on to stay focused on you and not the situation.     

     The shackles are off my feet!  And now all I want to do is praise you!!!      

     Thanks for a wonderful weekend.  For me knowing Him deeper, was digging deeper into the sins of my life and realizing I will never be sin free, but I will always be forgiven through the sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.