Do you need to be restored?

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Selfcare”

Our Bible verse for today: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 5:10 (NIV)

Our thought for today: “Do you need to be restored?”

I read a statement the other day from author John Eldredge which reminded me again of how desperately we need to have our soul cleansed and restored on an ongoing basis. In his book “Restoration Year” Eldredge wrote, “Few understand the link between holiness and the life longed for. I can’t say it enough, dear friend: you were created for life, love, beauty, joy, laughter, friendship, adventure. These are the very things God wants for you. But you cannot find that life, let alone sustain it, until you’re restored.”

In Psalm 51 we’re reading about the time King David had been confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding the adultery David had committed with Bathsheba. To his credit, David was convicted and he repented in tears. In verse 2 he prayed, “Wash away my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin”. In verse 10 we read of him pleading with God to cleanse him of sin and restore him to a right relationship based in holiness. And God did.

What God did for David he is willing and eager to do for us too. Not just when we have sinned in big ways but always, ongoing, even for small offenses. We want and need ongoing cleansing and restoration. In 1 John 1:9 we are assured that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” In Psalm 103:11-12 we read, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Then, once we have sought and received the Lord’s forgiveness and we have been restored, we must then go forth with the resolve to live in that holiness and to honor Him with our conduct. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Then in 2 Peter 1:5-8, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Returning to Eldredge’s point, there is a link between holiness and the life we long for. The closer you are to the Lord, the more time you spend in the center of His will, the better you life will be. We all need forgiveness and restoration. I encourage you to go to Him now.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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