Have you ever sinned and felt just horrible for doing it? Have you ever sinned and wondered how in the world God could or would ever forgive you? Have you ever struggled with overcoming a sinful temptation or sinful habit that seemed to afflict you day after day after day? I think we’ve all been at one or more of these points in our lives. Is there no hope?
Meditate on these words of David in Psalm 34: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (v.17). Stop for a minute. Read that verse again. Rejoice in its message to you and for you. The Lord hears. The Lord delivers. Now, read verse 18, and prepare to find your greatest comfort in those moments of struggle and uncertainty, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” When we react to sin with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, the Lord is near us and saves us. Aren’t you glad you have a gracious, loving Father?