How Often Do You Repent?
Friday, May 1, 2009 at 07:14AM When is the last time you told God you were sorry for something you did wrong? Have you determined not to repeat your mistake? Was it a mistake, or did you do it on purpose, knowing you were wrong?
Did you repent when you became a Christian and think you'd never have to repent again? Wrong--not unless you've stopped sinning!
Each day we should think over our actions of the past 24 hours and decide whether we have done anything at all--no matter how small we think it is--and determine not to do it again. Then we must tell God we're sorry.
I forget to do this as often as I should. I feel much better when I do. It's also easier for me to forgive others when I've reflected on my own wrongdoing.
If you don't think you know what to say to God when you've done wrong, here's a repentance prayer an old friend taught me long ago:
"Dear God, quicken into my heart daily, all of my sins daily, that I may repent daily, and Satan can never enter those doorways again. Amen."
God bless us.
forgiveness, prayer, repentance
Reader Comments (5)
Daily, I ask God to forgive the sins that I've committed in thought or deed. Also, forgive the sins that I'm unaware of. He is always faithful. Yes, we must repent as long as we live in this "tent." I like what I heard a brother say on family radio, a Christian station; he said that living a Christian life is like trying to drive in the opposite direction on the freeway. There is so much coming at us all at once, and sometimes it seems like we're not going to make it but He is with us.
Thanks fo this, Diane. Long time. I hope that you and your husband are doing well. God bless and have a wonderful weekend.
Stephen,
The Christian life is indeed an exercise in driving in the opposite direction to most folk on the freeway. So we must keep focused on where we are headed.
By the way, I enjoyed your chapbook, Liquid Lunch, very much. You are a talented poet.
Wonderful post. Refreshing and inspiring for those of us who have walked with Him for a while. Just a simple question, but so arresting.
Diane,
Thank you. I appreciate the compliment about my poetry. I grow every day with my writing. This is a great post on how to grow in our walk with Jesus. Take care.
So true,
Often I forget say to the Lord, I am sorry for such and such.
I often pray in the morning asking the Lord to help me with my thoughts and deeds, but there are times I do fail. He is gracious and merciful to lift me up and wipe away my sins.
Blessings