We Don't Live There Anymore

Daily Reading: Genesis 50

Scripture Focus: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20)

Devotional Thought: Seventeen years had passed since Joseph invited Jacob and his brothers to live with him in Egypt. Jacob died, and Joseph’s brothers feared that Joseph would now take vengeance on them. Joseph reassured them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”. (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

Why was this necessary? Had the brothers not had enough time with Joseph to realize that he had no intention of harming them? He had openly forgiven them and made sure to provide for them. After seventeen years, they still felt the guilt for what they had done. This was unnecessary guilt. All had been forgiven a long time ago.

Do we ever carry around a backpack of guilt after Jesus has clearly forgiven us? I know it is tempting to dredge up our sins and feel bad about them all over again, that is a trick of the Devil. He wants us to remember everything that we have done wrong, but we don’t live there anymore.

Corrie ten Boom, in her book Tramp for the Lord had these words to say regarding forgiveness: “It was 1947--. I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives. It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental picture. Maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I like to think that that’s where forgiven sins are thrown. 'When we confess our sins,' I said, 'God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever--. Then God places a sign out there that says "'No Fishing Allowed."'"

We have been forgiven. The guilt is gone. We don’t live there anymore. Thanks be to God.

-Cheryl Young

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that your love and grace is offered to us. Thank you that when we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Help us to keep moving forward in the grace that you offer today. In Jesus name, Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Psalms 46:1-7)