In spite of the guilt and shame
And self-condemnation besieging
I dipped deep down, dug out courage
Adorned it with grace and stepped out:
I stepped into the path of My Shepherd.
I thought the Good Shepherd would
Be shocked. I feared He would be sad
But alas He only smiled as He stooped
Eyes brimming with extravagant love.
With hands of tenderness, He reached out,
He touched me, drew me in, lifted me up,
Filthy as I was, upon His soothing shoulders.
He swung me around, reeling in joy
I peered into His face, just to be sure
The joy is real and truly, He was elated.
Delighted to have me back? Why? Wow!

Food For Thought: Remember the Scripture that talks about the joy that explodes in heaven when one sinner turns around in repentance? It is not only angels that rock that change, even God celebrates it. And the release we know, when at last we decide to step out of hiding and face what we know is truth is immeasurable! It takes faith to put fear in its place. It takes courage to scale doubts and shame in order to stand upon the truth we know. When we finally choose to put fear in its place: we find and are found: we take our own place with truth. Progress is birthed when we let go that very thing which holds us back from reaching out and reaching up. We are all held back by what we fear. And the joy that comes from defeating the fear in your head cannot be described. I don’t know what fear is whispering or hollering at you today. Whatever it is, tune in to the Word of God, hearken to its commands, and trust God for the release you truly need.

Scripture: The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31: 3.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I have missed it many a time, I still do, and I will continue to: let Your unfailing love preserve me from making a living out of my errors, amen.