Don’t Slip Back Into Your Old Ways - In the Evening When I Rest
Don’t Slip Back Into Your Old Ways
Lord, what should I do if I’ve drifted away from you?
Everyone has sinned; everyone falls short of my glorious standard. Yet I, in my grace, freely make you right in my sight. I did this through Christ Jesus when he freed you from the penalty for your sins. Now this is what I say: “Come back to me and live!” Confess all your sins to me and stop trying to hide your guilt. Say to yourself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” I forgive you! All your guilt is gone.
Romans 3:23-24; Amos 5:4; Psalm 32:5
How can I stay close to you?
You must live as my obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as I who chose you am holy. Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!
1 Peter 1:14-15; Matthew 26:41
What can I pray when I long to reconnect with you?
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD.
Psalm 25:6-7
Sometimes patterns of behavior can be so deeply ingrained that we fall back into them without realizing it. At other times, we make an intentional decision. Either way, a healthy spiritual life means moving forward, growing to be more and more like Christ. If you’ve fallen back into old patterns of sin, pray the prayer above to ask for God’s forgiveness. As you do, imagine God with open arms, calling to you, “Come back to me!”
