Psalm One Thirty Nine

While reading a book written by Natalie Grant recently, I came across something that really stuck with me, and I have to share it on here! Here we go: In Psalm 51, David confesses to God after being confronted about his sin with Bathsheba. I found a translation that really tells it like it is, check it out:

“Generous in love—God, give grace!

Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.

Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in Your laundry.

I know how bad I have been;

my sins are staring me down..

What you’re after is truth from the inside out.” (vv.1-3, 6 MSG).

Think about this: The God of the universe, the Creator of all that there is everything there was and everything that will be, has already seen the absolute worst that you have to offer. He is well aware of every lie that you have ever told and will tell, and every lie that you have ever believed about yourself. In fact, He knows the deepest and most hidden secret of your heart. He knows it all. ALL OF IT. And He loves you just as you are. He loves you just as much as He loved His son, who was and is perfect, never sinned! And we are sinners get that same love from our father. If you could really believe that what He says about you is true, that He loves you unconditionally, how would it change the way you live? Just for a second, imagine yourself being totally loved and totally accepted despite all your mistakes and flaws. How would your life be different? I thank God for Him letting me come back to Him again and again. His love never ever fails. When I finally accepted that Jesus loves me just as I am, flaws and all, I began to start accepting myself. I will tell you honestly that it is a daily struggle, though. I am betting that I am not the only one thinking this. His constant love is gradually yet steadily cemented into my heart! A love like that requires and guarantees a change in the person. His love knows every terrible secret, every single selfish motive, unkind word, and hurtful thought and still says, “I choose YOU.” It magnifies beauty that has long gone unnoticed. Think of it as an old painting buried in an attic completely and totally worthless and forgotten, until the dust is wiped away and the master’s signature on the painting is exposed, validating the paintings true worth. Love definitely changes your perspective on everything; what is real, what is true, what is beautiful and lets not forget, what is POSSIBLE. Isaiah 41:9 explains how the God of this whole universe says that He has chosen me and will not cast me away. I am accepted! Isaiah 43:1 tells us that we are His, He says that He calls me by name. I belong! In Romans 5:8 I am told that Jesus demonstrated His great love for me when He died for me. Now that is real, true, sacrificial LOVE. There can be no doubts, I am totally and completely loved. You are totally and completely loved. “The Lord your God is with you, the mighty One will save you. HE will rejoice over you. You will rest in His love..” (Zephaniah 3:17)