Wash me clean from my guilt… purify me from my sin…

Powerful words which penetrate the hearts of those who grieve over their imperfections and shortcomings.

Those acutely aware of how deep their brokenness goes.

And how unimaginably holy their God is in contrast.

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I used to think of myself as a bit of an ‘innocent’.

A good person.

But one day, when I was a teenager, I heard a sermon which detailed the crucifixion of Jesus.

My reaction to the pain he went through, for me, to take away my sin and shame, was by no means small.

I started to cry… small drops of tears at first.

But then the tears continued, until I couldn’t stop.

After church, I sobbed and sobbed… then my father made the comment: “I think she’s definitely a Christian…”

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I knew my sin put Jesus through that pain.

And the Holy Spirit was working in me, pulling me close, into the arms of the only one who could save me…

And I tasted a new kind of freedom.

Emotional experiences like that are not everything, no… But the grace of God is.

And everyone has a unique redemption story.

A story of coming home.

Of having their hearts broken by sorrow, and starting again, hand in hand with Jesus.

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Wash me clean from my guilt… purify me from my sin…

Today, I let the words wash over me as I considered my latest failures; my latest errors.

The feeling of shame is hard to shift, but I chose to remember the cross.

The story of the cross, presented to me that Sunday morning, echoed in my head.

The story of the cross reminded me I don’t have to suffer the punishment my sins deserve.

The story of the cross reminded me how deep the Father’s love for me.

The story of the cross reminded me the price had been paid; the charges dropped.

And I am free from any accusation Satan might throw at me.

I’m free to go, and free to live.

I’m free, simply because I am HIS…

Redeemed; forgiven; beloved – no strings attached.

Once and for all.

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“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)