"Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,"
I received the verse above in my email inbox today as the "Verse of the Day" from Bible.com and I was suddenly hit with a multitude of thoughts (my thoughts usually show up as pictures). Within a few seconds, I thought about the new year > new year, new seasons of life > repentance > turning away from sin > a.k.a. "Turning over a new leaf." (Strange thought process, I know, but hey, that’s just how my neuro-divergent brain operates.) So, this verse got me thinking about my personal experience with repentance that led to asking Christ into my life. I remember the waves of grace and forgiveness that I experienced (and still do experience). That overwhelming feeling of a life not lived as close to the example of Christ, the frustrations of the world and my response to it, and the guilt and shame I feel for allowing my focus to be diverted from our heavenly Father. Yes, THAT overwhelming feeling, when in the face of grace and forgiveness, just slowly melts away…over and over again. That is the work of the Holy Spirit working on you and through you.
Are you overwhelmed? Are you stressed? Anxious? Feeling alone? Not able to find the words to pray? As we face this new year, what if we turned to our heavenly Father who is eagerly awaiting an intimate relationship with us rather than turning to the world, or turning inward? The Father tells us that He will not only wipe out our sin, but if we feel burdened, He will trade with us as His burden is light. Also, your brothers and sisters in Christ can also help share the burden with you, this way you are not overwhelmed and become discouraged. Our Creator is ALWAYS with us and when we can’t find the words to say/pray, the Holy Spirit speaks in groans on our behalf. Let’s not forget Jesus. Not only did he face all of the same temptations for sin and for feeling the same way we do when the world tries its best to beat us down. He overcame all of those things and showed us how to follow suit.
So, how can I help you? How can I pray for you or encourage you? I’m here for you…
If you ever need prayer, you can reply to this email or catch the Prayer Requests – Prodigals group on Facebook. You are loved and prayed for, my friends.
Photo Credit: Life of Pix
~PRODIGAL MIKE
Prodigal Thinker 