It seems to be that a normal occurrence in a believer's life is an occasional, profound forgetting of the very essence of the gospel. Lingering in this putrid season of confusion eventually leads us into questioning whether we have even been saved. Hardening sin is usually its cause; Sovereign grace is always its remedy.

Grace through faith persuades our unbelieving hearts that, even though the LORD knows us perfectly, He loves us perfectly. It is grace that restores us to the "joy of His salvation" through gentle dealings of Fatherly discipline and tender compassion. It reminds us of our identity--which is now inseparably united to Christ's unchangeable identity. Pondering the reality that divine grace is always dispensed in the very midst of fresh sin is sure to rekindle a burning zeal deep in our tired souls and a yearning for His name to be exalted.

As for me...I'm undone all over again when I look up from the pigsty of my defiled heart and see a familiar Shepherd who will not leave...without me in His arms. My initial response to my sin is usually to tense up, feeling the sentence of guilt and condemnation that my conscience always hands down. So I run to hide thinking I am again in the presence of the Holy Judge. But in the course of running away, through one way or another, this Shepherd always directs my eyes to His hands...His scars...and in a rush of gut-wrenching gladness I remember that I'm not being pursued by a Judge, but by the Triune God who still seeks and saves the lost, even when they keep running away.

Has the realness of your sin and weakness scared you away from the cross and into a lonely and cold corner? Do you mourn at the thought of your spiritual bankruptcy?

Then look to the One who "Blesses the poor in spirit..and comforts those who mourn" (Matthew 5:3,4). Do not be "so near-sighted that you are blind, having forgotten that you were cleansed from your former sins" (2 Peter 1:9). Preach the Gospel to your unbelieving and exhausted heart: "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you" (Psalm 116:7). Be still...and listen to the wooing of your Lord, "Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life" (Revelation 22:17-21).

How Great is Our God!

Wow. Thanks for that, Ben.