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S ometimes we believe we've finally done it—we've failed God so badly that he'll never forgive us. But God tells us over and over that his mercy is much bigger than our worst mistakes. And that's just what these three students discovered when they turned to God's Word for comfort and reassurance.

Who is a God like you, who pardons sins and forgives the transgressions of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight in showing mercy. (Micah 7:18-19)

When I read these verses, I get a mental picture of God pushing my sins off a cliff, where they'll never be seen again. What a great God!

God doesn't want anyone to sin, but he knows we will. That's why he provided a way for us to have complete forgiveness through his son Jesus. And he not only gives us a way out, he's excited about forgiving us. The Bible says he delights in showing us mercy.

If you're like me and you sometimes wonder if God can really forgive, remember that God will always forgive us when we sincerely ask him to.

—Merry

1. How does it feel to be forgiven? Why do you think God wants to forgive us?
2. Look around your room. What are some of the things that delight you—you know, that really make you happy? Next time you ask for forgiveness, think of that feeling of delight; it's just a tiny glimpse of the delight God feels when he shows mercy toward you.
3. Thank God for his never-ending forgiveness.

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. … You have seen my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you. … Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink. … (Psalm 69:1-14)

There's nothing worse than knowing you've messed up in a big way. You feel stupid, you feel guilty, you feel sick to your stomach. At least that's how I felt when I cheated on my boyfriend by going out with someone else.

I don't know what I was thinking. I really cared about my boyfriend, but I cheated on him anyway. And I felt horrible about it. I hurt him, I hurt the other guy, and I hurt myself. I got myself into a huge mess, and I didn't know how I would ever get out of it.

I wish I would have read Psalm 69 then. It would have helped me see that I could lean on God and he'd be there for me, even though I was in major trouble. God could have comforted me and given me the strength to try and make things right with my boyfriend.

The next time I mess up—and I'm sure there will be a next time—I'll know I can talk to God about it.

—Cristina

1. Think about a time you were in big trouble. How did God help you get through that time?
2. Turn in your Bible to Psalm 69 and read verses 1-5 and 13-18. Rewrite those verses in your own words.
3. Thank God for always being there for you to talk to.

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

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