Psalm 103:11-12
Yes, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so powerful is his mercy toward those who fear him. As distant as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our rebellious acts from us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Our consciences tell us what is right and wrong, and sometimes, our consciences can eat at us, causing us a lot of grief. If our guilt and shame are left unaddressed, we can harbor that for some time to the point of causing us mental or physical illness. So, we need relief from ourselves, and Jesus gave us that.
Without you, our sins condemn us; when we do something hurtful and loveless towards others, that guilt comes out. So, you established your plan of salvation to remove our sins forever. Through the Old Testament writers, you promised a Savior would come; he would be sent from you and be your chosen one, the Messiah. He would restore those who were lost and suffering in their sins, and those who trusted in the Christ’s coming would receive the forgiveness he would bring.
Jesus was the promised Savior. He went to the cross and suffered the punishment for our sins; he removed our sins from us forever as far as the east is from the west, and within the universe, what an extreme distance. Jesus removed every one of our sins, granting us complete and total forgiveness. With our sins removed that far away, nothing is left to cause us guilt or shame. This forgiveness is ours through faith in Jesus.
So, we ask that you strengthen our faith so that we realize we no longer need to let any guilt or shame prod at us because it is all gone; as Jesus has forgiven us, let us cling to him so we forgive ourselves. All this is ours because of the magnitude of your mercy—your love for us.
We ask that because of your mercy for us, we reflect on and share your love with others so that they will know you by trusting in Jesus. Please let them see how they are forgiven and spark faith in them that trusts in your chosen one, Jesus, so they will enjoy your love, salvation, and eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Know your sins are forgiven through God’s grace and mercy, so don’t let your past sins haunt you any longer.