Every meaningful relationship results in disappointment at some point or another; someone always messes up. It's just part of the human condition.
But to live within the will of God is to seek reconciliation when this happens, and it's usually best if the one who messed up takes the initiative.
Oddly enough, in our relationship with God, that initiative has been taken by God. Now what shall we do in response?
Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:6-9
The huge pine tree across from my best friend’s house was home base for our nightly game of hide-and-seek during the warm summer months. We loved that game and would play until we heard our names being called to come home. With each passing game, we would refine our hiding spots and return paths. Even the simple childhood game of hide-and-seek took practice.
It is no surprise that God’s thoughts and ways are not the same as our thoughts and ways! But we can learn by plunging into God’s Word, praying for God’s wisdom when we face tough situations, and seeking God’s way as we practice our faith. What a gift we have been given; not only the opportunity to grow in faith, but the mercy that we don’t have to be perfect.
Kerri Peterson-Davis
I am seeking you today, gracious God. Let me settle into your presence and seek your thoughts that I might live your way. Amen.
Don't be afraid.
Reaching out to God for forgiveness
is nothing to fear.
God is already reaching out to you
with nothing but love.