Scripture:
Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor, no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Relevant Definitions:
Bestows: to present as a gift, give, confer
Upright: being in accord with what is right
Blameless: free of blame or guilt
Integrity: the state of being whole, sound, unimpaired
Devotion:
The Lord bestows favor and honor, grace and glory to those whose walk is blameless and upright. This passage of scripture gives the impression that we must be sinless in our walk with Christ in order to receive these attributes. If accurate, this could be very discouraging news to some. Living in an exemplary way at all times could yield itself challenging. Christ died not only so we can be forgiven and avoid our eternal home being Hell, but that when we fail to stride unblemished, we have a way to find forgiveness and be redeemed..
This gift was not given for us to tread excellently at all times vacillating through tyraids of self guilt. No, his sacrifice was for the opposite. The moment he died and said, "It is finished", we were acquitted. It is in his amnesty we become inculpable. Yes, it takes awhile to grow, and mature in order to walk in such excellence and freedom, but the price was already paid. Bring your deficiencies before the Lord, ask for clemency, fortification, wisdom, and discipline to grow and live in such a way that better displays his likeness. It is his forgiveness that makes our journey virtuous, not our attempts at perfection. It is because of his seed of atonement we reap the harvest of favor.
Reflection:
At times it's easier to drink from the cup of self blame than to go before the Lord and yield to his correction while accepting his love and blessing in its place. Somehow human nature wants to regulate its own behavior. We like to celebrate our victories and play the blame game when we fall short. In doing so, we nullify and call void the sacrifice that was made at the cross. Today, ask God where in your life is it hard for you to accept forgiveness instead of replaying your errors in your mind?
Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for salvation and the price that was paid in order for us to receive it. We thank you that you are a loving, forgiving God that desires to wipe the slate clean and pour out your love in the form of favor and honor upon us. Help us to release self-blame and embrace your promises over our lives. Teach us to run to you for forgiveness and learn to rest in the honor of being loved by a Father that gives good gifts.
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