Ecclesiastes 7:8

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

Our heavenly Father wants us to have an abiding assurance of his love. Jesus settled our sin problem at Calvary and even though we sometimes fail, the Holy Spirit is constantly reminding us of the Father’s lovingkindness. When we become focused on our sin, we lose all sight of what God wants most: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

God is a rewarder and he is anxious to shower us with his love when we are contrite. David is an example of someone who was blessed with God’s goodness even though he went far into sin. You know the story of how he fell into blatant adultery and then committed murder to keep from being found out. David became a hypocrite, sinning in the face of God’s blessings and bringing shame on the name of the Lord. Yet, even though he was disciplined severely, David was forgiven and fully restored.

God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David about his sin because it was such an affront in his eyes. But in spite of that, God wanted David to know that he was forgiven. You see, God knew David would be broken and contrite over his sin; most of all, the Lord knew that at heart David was not a habitual adulterer or murderer. Instead, David had been surprised by sin, overwhelmed in a moment of weakness.

Likewise, God sees your heart. The Lord knows you did not wake up one morning and decide, “Today I’m going to commit adultery. I’m going to lose my temper and explode.” No, only hardened sinners behave this way. Christians are surprised and overtaken by sin; in fact, often the enemy floods them while they are busy about God’s business.

Beloved, God has counted your tears even before you have shed them. He has forgiven you at the point of your first pang of conviction and sorrow. “The goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). His love is greater than all your sins!