Bread for the Journey

 

One of the simple things in life that I keep giving thanks for is a private, hot shower. Maybe I’ve read too many books about hostages or inmates who don’t have this convenience, not to mention the children I saw floating on shacks along the banks of the muddy rivers in Indonesia. I don’t know about you, but it makes me appreciate something I would not want to live without. There is nothing like soap and clean, warm water after working up a sweat or getting chilled while walking in the rain . . . and the wonderful feeling of being clean again.

There is another kind of feeling clean that is even better.  I can hardly live with myself when I know I’ve grieved the heart of God.  What I mean by that is that sin strains relationships and keeps us from experiencing peace.
So, on a spiritual level, I need cleansing and refreshing.

 In Psalm 51:7, 10 it says,
 “. . . wash me and I will be whiter than snow. . . Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

And in Psalm 32:1

“Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight.”

Being forgiven by God and those we have wronged is the best kind of feeling clean. Sometimes I wonder why it takes me so long to humble myself to ask forgiveness, when there is nothing quite as wonderful as a restored relationship.

Let us not drag along our sack of unforgiven sins into the New Year, but rather leave them at the cross and allow the blood of Jesus to wash us white as snow.

This is the way to a truly Happy New Year.

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