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by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence....Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation.

The devil is called "the father of lies" (John 8:44), and for good reason. He will try to lead you to believe anything that will keep you from turning to God.

One of his greatest lies, I believe, is that God will reject us when we confess our sins to Him and seek to repent. Somehow we start thinking that our sins are too terrible for Him to forgive.

The truth, of course, is that God loves a contrite heart, welcomes the repentant sinner back and restores "the joy of Thy salvation." Recently, I received a letter that underscores the power of God's forgiveness:

My wife and I have been married for six years, and together for eight. Recently I was having a lot of problems. I was unfaithful to my wife. I had fallen far from the path. She found out about the adultery and consulted a lawyer and filed for divorce.

My life was over. I didn't know what to do or where to turn. Suddenly I realized what I must do. I went to church, fell to my knees and asked God to forgive me and take over my life, set me straight. I gave it all up to Him.

Much to my surprise, He welcomed me back with open arms. I relearned how to pray and started reading the Bible. God took it from there.

This man asked his wife to attend a FamilyLife Marriage Conference with him. Reluctant at first, she finally agreed.

The Lord not only answered my prayers (by restoring my marriage) but 10 times what I had asked for! We not only did away with the lawyers and divorce papers, but we recommitted to God and each other.

Just like King David, who wrote those wonderful words in Psalm 51, this man learned that life can start anew when you are willing to approach God with a repentant heart.

Prayer:

If you need to confess any sins, do so now and thank God for His forgiveness.

Discuss: Talk about your understanding of God's forgiveness-is it absolute, total? Do you harbor any fears that God will reject you? What for?

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