Have you ever awakened to the sudden and terrifying revelation, “I was utterly and terribly wrong.” A deep weight settles on your chest, almost smothering out all breath. How didn’t I realize what I was doing?
Dread, despair, and devastation descends. How can I possibly call on God, now?
Believe it or not, you and I aren’t the first to face this feeling.
In 1 Samuel, the Israelites begged God for something he didn’t want them to have. God sent a prophet to remind them, instruct them, and encourage them. But they insisted on their own logic. God decided to let them have their way.
Later, in chapter twelve, the Isralites had their revelation moment. They had gone against God, and now they knew it. Now, they begged the prophet Samuel to intervene.
Samuel was honest, yet encouraging. In verse twenty, he laid it on the line, “Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil, yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.” (NIV)
Even after we made a horrible mistake, the Lord isn’t finished with us. We can change our direction. We need to make our hearts right and then serve God whole-heartedly.
He knows what we did.
He knows the state of our hearts.
He knows Christ’s sacrifice can cover our egregious sin, when we sincerely ask.
Let’s ask him for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I made a mess. I can’t believe I did this. I am sincerely sorry. I know you collect my tears, see my heart, and offer forgiveness. Please, set my heart on your path. Help me not be blind again. Thank you for your constant care, love, and forgiveness. In Jesus’s name, Amen.