The consequences of sin can be very painful, as we are learning from David's recorded disobedience towards God. There are times we may fail to think twice about the choices we make, but the resulting consequences can often be a painful reminder of bad decisions that should have been avoided. While we have no control over the consequences of our actions, we, like David, can come to the Lord and find forgiveness - it is here that we experience the depth and breadth of the Lord's infinite love.
"My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge,
a God who expresses His wrath every day.
If He does not relent, He will sharpen His sword;
He will bend and string His bow.
He has prepared His deadly weapons;
He makes ready His flaming arrows."
(Psalm 7:10-13)
Dear Heavenly Father, You are a righteous Judge and we praise You that Your anger is always an expression of Your righteousness. Sin is an ugly, debilitating, destructive force; it cripples Your creation. How blessed we are that Your love for us is so vast that You targeted sin with Your blazing arrows dipped in Your precious blood. Forgive us when we disobey You, allowing a bullseye to be painted on our backs, risking being targeted by Your arrows of rebuke. The pain and affliction we have suffered should cause us to never stray again, but any times we allow our pain to take our attention away from You and focus selfishly on ourselves. Lord, we desire to be restored to a right relationship with You, regardless if we are ever restored to physical health; apart from You our lives are miserable. We don't want to be the target of Your arrows, we desire to be one of Your polished arrows that You have hidden in Your quiver. We long to be used by You to accomplish Your purposes, not to stand in Your way as an obstacle that hinders Your plans. Lord, we come to You with our own petition, seeking Your pardon, and willing to suffer the consequences, so that our lives might be a blessing and not a burden to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Job 7:20; Psalm 2:5; 7:11-13; Isaiah 49:2; Lamentations 3:12.