“I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44.22). 

This is a great verse to personalize. Jesus speaks to me: “Jim, I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” These words were for Jewish idolaters in Isaiah’s day. They are for me today. 

I go astray; therefore, I must return. How shall I return? Broken and contrite over my sin. I must continually repent or change my mind about the daily sin in my life and turn to the righteousness of God. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28.13). Even as Job: “I abhor myself (when I commit sin), and repent in dust and ashes.” 

I must return to the LORD through genuine, ongoing repentance. No true believer should deny this need. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we as believers say, “We have not sinned,” we make God a liar, and His word is not in us (see 1 John 1.8-9). Father, help me. I acknowledge my sins. I see how I have missed the mark this week. Please forgive me and help me to live a holy life, honoring Your name.