The words in this Ark April newsletter title are found in Psalm 32. The passage continues, “…whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the one whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-3, GNT)
I am writing a new book—a scriptural guide to becoming perfected— and it is almost complete. Daughter Sharee has been editing it with me. Wondrous experience! Sharee pointed out that my biblical study had taken nearly four years as I circled the word “perfect” and meditated on the scriptures where God showed it to me in both Old and New Testaments. God is NOT through teaching me and I’m sharing that the Perfector continues with me in this journey.
I have used the same lectionary (yearly scripture reading list) for 40 years. The new word I am circling in my bible time is “stupid.” Psalm 32 has stupid in verse 9 (GNT): “…don’t be stupid like a horse or mule, which must be controlled with a bit or bridle to make it submit.” Wow. Am I ready to have my own stupidity pointed out to me for the next few years?
Now, I don’t know anyone who does not want to be happy. Do you? “When I did not confess my sins I was worn out from crying all day long…. Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you and you forgave ALL my sins.” (Psalm 32:3-5, GNT)
Easter is approaching and I don’t want to be stupid like the horse or mule in verse 9. I want to submit to my Lord. I want to confess my sins and give them up, not just for Lent but forever. “…Those who trust in the Lord are protected by His constant Love…because of what the Lord has done. You that obey Him…can “shout for joy!” (Psalm 32: 1-11, GNT)
Help each of us, Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “It is better that I go away… and send the Holy Spirit…” (John 14: 16, NRS) If Jesus says it is better, then I need the Holy Spirit to put away childish speech, feelings and thinking and “….now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways.” (I Corinthians 13: 11-12, Weymouth) By now we should be teachers of His Love. It is time to let “what is perfect come…then what is partial will disappear.” (I Corinthians 13: 9)
Instead of just giving up something for Lent, can we agree to spend more time alone with our Father God and the Holy Spirit? Jesus set this example often, by going off to be alone with His Father God. I want to submit and fellowship more in the same way.