There is great joy in coming back to God.
| posted 1/30/2009
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Imagine a great celebration—people are cheering, clapping, and yelling, "Way to go!" Even better, they're all applauding you! You're the center of attention, and the reason for this large gathering of people. They're celebrating your homecoming as they would celebrate a great basketball hero's return to the floor to shoot a hoop.
That's exactly what it's like when you return to God after rebelling against him. When you're in a period of rebellion, you feel like the psalmist, David: "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me." You weren't happy; your spirit was withered, angry, lost, confused. When you acknowledge your sin to God, however, and receive his forgiveness, it's as if a flood of joy is released from your soul. You feel so free and happy that you begin shouting for joy. What a wonderful gift—and all because you've decided to turn away from your rebellious ways and accept God's plan for your life. With such joy awaiting you, why not turn back to him today? His arms are opened wide to receive you. (See also 2 Samuel 15; 18:9-17; Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 11:27-31.)
Good Words to Remember:
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:11
Today's Challenge:
When your child is ready to come back to you and to God (whether it's tomorrow, next month, next year, or many years from now), will you remember to accept that child as God would—with eager, open, willing arms and joyful words, without "I told you so" or recounting any wrongs?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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