“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 MKJV
The Psalmist acknowledged that sin could hinder him from walking the path that God would have him walk on, so called on God to help him point out such, so that he could be led in the ‘way everlasting’.Yesterday’s post encouraged you to “decide to let God have a say concerning which way you go in 2017.” Sin can stop you from receiving God’s guidance, so deal with it by REPENTING!
To repent is to “think differently to afterwards, that is, reconsider”- Strong’s; I’d define it as turning your back completely on what you know is wrong!
Many people came to hear John the Baptist preach, yet that act did not entail repentance. He stressed the need for it to be reflected in their lifestyles by ‘bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance’ and went on to point ways in which they could do so (Luke 3:3-14). Acknowledging you’ve erred or done wrong (being merely sorry) is not the same as repentance; you must go further to turn away from sin(s).
This starts by acknowledging your sinful nature and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour (please click on Meet JESUS ) if you’ve never done so. Your sins would be remitted, because you can’t possibly confess all the sins you’ve committed since you were born; you don’t know all.
A believer though, who has sinned can receive forgiveness. If you’ve received Jesus in times past, you’ll know when you committed wrong. You should therefore confess that sin before God and receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:7-10).
Then, do not go back to those ways/things. Severe ties and links with anyone or anything that wants to make you return to what you left. It may not be easy (mortifying the flesh isn’t always pain free), but the benefits are worthwhile. Show God that by His grace and strength, you’re committed to living out life the way He wants you to. He would unfold His plans for you in due course.
God bless you 🙂
(c) Lydia Ndagilaya for PneumaWord
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