Dear Friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
You are welcome to share this and include in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Reflection:
God created us to be unashamed (see Genesis 2:25), but the fall changed that reality (see Genesis 3:7-10). With sin, shame entered our world and has played havoc on all people since then. Shame distorts our reality and leaves us feeling isolated, disconnected, worthless, inadequate, and abandoned. Are you feeling any of these things right now? God’s goodness and steadfast love is a constant reminder to each one of us personally, to the church corporately, and to the world, that God has not given up on us. God is with us! God pursues us! God sees us as valuable! God loves us unconditionally! In Christ, we can be freed from the impact of shame and embrace the power of the Gospel to bring about our salvation (Romans 1:16) and sanctification. Do not cling to your sin and shame. Do not allow sin and shame to define your worth or to dictate your identity. Embrace the work of the Spirit in you this day and find inner peace and purpose.
Prayer:
Lord, we confess that we have not always been faithful. With the psalmist, we cry out “do not remember the sins of our youth or our transgressions.” Forgive us! We praise you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. With the psalmist, we cry out “do not let us be put to shame.” We ask that through the work of Christ and the Spirit within us, that you might free us from sin and shame and help us to walk in this covenant relationship and keep your commands. Help us to love you and others and help us to love ourselves this day. To God be the Glory! Amen.
Rev Dr Rob A. Fringer (Principal of NTC)