If we ever find ourselves having second thoughts about fully surrendering or recomitting our lives to Jesus because we think we are not clean enough to follow Him, then may we have the grace to remember that we do not need to cleanse ourselves before coming to Him. It is coming to Jesus that fully cleanses us. He purifies us in His own perfect time.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
May we also have the confidence to reach out for the Bible and start reading His words. We are never unworthy to learn more about Him and read through the scriptures. Our sins and failures do not disqualify us from receiving comfort, counsel, and cleansing from His words.
God’s word cleanses us by renewing our mind, warning us against sinning, convicting us from our present sins, and by reminding us to continue following Jesus. When we start meditating on the scriptures, we allow God’s guidance into our lives.
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3Â
And so, no matter how far we think we may have wandered off from our Heavenly Father, may we heed His invitation to come home to Him. It only takes one step of repentance.
Once we turn away from our sinful lives, and decide to take that one stepback to Him, He will come running and meet us where we are. He longs to embrace us despite the mud, filthiness and dirt we have accumulated from the life we lived far away from Him. And when we decide to live a life fully committed to Him, He will give us that cleansed, brand new life, we once have been trying to work hard for but could never attain on our own.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Hebrews 9:14 and Psalm 51:1-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you feel like you need to be fully good and fully clean first before completely surrendering your life to Jesus? What step will you take today to come to Him despite the present sins and past unresolved failures in your life?Â
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for meeting us where we are. For looking past our mistakes and failures and inviting us to come back to you. Teach me your ways Lord, and give me the confidence to recommit my life to you. Amen.Â