Forgiven, June 9

Forgiven, June 9

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.
For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; you have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalms 26:2-3, 27:7-9, www.solascriptura.com

Father, sometimes we want to say, with King David, examine me, try my mind and heart (judge me); but too often we would rather not have you examine us because of our mistakes. Who among us seeks Your judgment? No, it is not Your judgment we seek, it is Your mercy.

Give us, this day, confidence that when we seek You, You do not turn Your face from us. Father, we know that we need to seek You more frequently. When we do so, the ratio of temptations to sin will diminish proportionately.

Our prayers, in the midst of trials, lift us above momentary circumstances. The circumstances pass and we are blessed. Help us to know that moment of blessing is Your will being exercised in our lives. Our trials turn into triumphs, righteousness replaces sin and we feel cleansed. Thank You God for presenting us with a "you can count on Me" relationship. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell