“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). 

How shall I return to the LORD? I return by leaving my sin behind and putting on His righteousness. Genuine repentance is accompanied by godly sorrow. I also return believing God will forgive me and He has redeemed me already. My redemption is the motivation for my return to Him. He has set me free from the eternal consequences of my sins. If I fail to return to Him, the temporal consequences will be filled with heartache and disappointment. 

I am very thankful for my redemption and for the daily mercy that gives me opportunity to reorient my life and return to the LORD. Jesus gave His life for me. Shall I trample the Son of God underfoot or insult the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10.29)? Certainly not as God’s child and heir. If the Lord Jesus had not revealed to me my sinfulness, I’d have continued on not knowing. But now I have no excuse for my sin (John 15.22). I was condemned already, but now I am loved by the Lord Jesus. His love for me compels me to live for Him. Father, may a deep and abiding gratitude settle deep in my soul today. Please keep me fast in the grip of your grace …be merciful to me for Jesus’ sake.