Nougat 2

We continue to focus on keeping God the center of our lives in today’s Holy Nougat

“Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:7, 23‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

While some may argue that there’s no reason to hide from God since God already knows our thoughts; most of us would agree that some of our actions (and our thoughts) are NOT quite God-worthy. I know some of you are nodding in agreement right now. So, if God already knows what is on our minds and we can’t hide; what’s next?

I’d propose a) don’t sin; or b) make right with God immediately after we do sin. I know that it’s not as easy as it sounds – neither option is always feasible – but if we aim for a life focused on God; then it becomes easier.

According to James 4; when we Submit to God; our ability to resist temptation increases AND the devil flees from our presence – albeit temporarily. To escape sin’s clutches, we ought to focus on Christ rather than our selves. And, when we do sin, let’s quickly get on with the act of confession.

So, here we have it. We know we can’t hide our sins from God. Rather than fool ourselves, we can ask God to reveal hidden sins (sometimes hidden from our own selves). Remember the confession of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15? Where he acknowledged that reconciliation is about (real) repentance. On planning to see his father, he accepted that he was not worthy of forgiveness. But he repented anyway, and was humble enough to not expect reinstatement of his status. He was prepared to earn a living where once he was beloved son. The irony is, we know that we will have our statuses reinstated upon confession (having read the rest of the parable). What a difference it would make for us to be like that son when we do sin. We would definitely be in right relationship.

Having given God pride of place; we can once again seek forgiveness and move our relationship with God forward in 2022.

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May all we seek be found in Christ