Cleansed

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

“We should pull the car into the garage. The weather radar is showing red.” Aaron was peering out our southwest-facing sunroom windows at the thunderheads brewing on the horizon as I came down the stairs.

Joining him to peer outside, I realized just how dark the sky had suddenly grown. “I’ll do that now. Can you help me move the bikes? Is there anything else we need to get inside?” Grabbing my keys, we headed out the front door to batten down the proverbial hatches in a race against the storm system rolling in on the leading edge of a much-needed cool front.

I love thunderstorms (although not severe ones), especially when they bring relief from baking temperatures and humidity so thick you feel like you are swimming through the air. As the thunder rumbles fade and the rain slowly pitter-patters to an end, I’ll step out on the porch to survey the world left fresh and clean in its wake.

The refreshment my senses encounter after a summer storm is tangible: the light breeze with cooler temps raising gooseflesh on my arms, the wafting scent of ozone, the sound of water dripping off tree branches, even the slight twinkle to the earth as the sun reappears, its light refracting off raindrops. Those first moments after a storm are some of my favorites because they subtly remind me of being forgiven and cleansed.

Of all the promises in Scripture, the gift of forgiveness and the assurance of a fresh start when we confess our sins before God is among the most powerful and life changing. We are not stuck with the poor choices we’ve made. We are not forever defined by our mistakes and miscalculations. There is always a way out and a way back to God. And his willingness to redeem and restore us is far better than any post-storm refreshment we’ll ever encounter.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Before you thank God for his blessings, spend time confessing your sins. Make it a habit to confess and thank, including both actions as prayer companions.