Saturday,  June 28, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

 

A Clear Record 

 

Psalm 32:1-2   What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.

 

Since I work in an Human Resources Department, I truly understand the importance of having "a clear record." In order to be hired by our organization after being recommended by a supervisor, a prospective candidate for employment is required to complete both the fingerprinting process and a reference check. If these components of the hiring process indicate prior issues --- arrests, poor performance ratings, reports of bad attitudes ---- major red flags are raised. 

At this point, we must carefully review the information obtained in order to make a hiring decision. Sadly, circumstances from deep within these individuals' backgrounds can come back to haunt them  ... can keep them from pursuing the great opportunities that are just within their reach -- BUT unattainable because of their past mistakes.

Thankfully, today's scripture describes the happiness that is available to us through God's forgiveness ...  His promise to remove our sins as far from us as the east is from the west ... His willingness to clear our records. Although His forgiveness is freely given, our shame and guilt often prevent us from believing that our sins are truly gone. We continue obsessing over ALL of the mistakes that we made in the past.

My challenge to you today is to grab hold to the happiness, joy, and relief that God is offering you. Put the past behind you and focus on the awesome plans that He has for you ... plans that offer hope and a future!

Dear Lord, I thank You for forgiving me of my sins ... for cleansing me and making me a new creature.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: Have you accepted God's forgiveness for your past mistakes OR are you wasting time feeling guilty for things that are no longer on your record?