On National Best Friends Day, my thoughts turn to the friend we have in Jesus.  That sounds overly spiritual doesn’t it?  But when I read Psalm 4:2 my mind started ruminating on ways to get closer to the Lord.

 

“How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame?  How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?  Selah”  Psalm 4:2 NKJV

 

At first read this doesn’t sound like an encouragement.  Definitely not something you want to hear from a friend.  But a true friend speaks truth to you – even when it’s hard.  And we don’t often think of conviction as a cheery thing.  But if that conviction leads to repentance, it clears a pathway to clear communication with God.  It brings us closer to Him and lifts a weight off of our shoulders.

 

That doesn’t mean that being made aware of our sins is easy.  It is right and healthy to grieve over our sin.  How it has been an obstacle between us and God.  The way it has kept God’s glory from shining through us.  But the grief is short lived if we experience true repentance.  Turning our lives away from sin brings all glory to God.  And we never have to carry the shame of that sin again.

 

Even though sin, shame, and repentance are most often very personal, I prayed this scripture over some loved ones recently and sent them this text:

 

 

 

Change up the words for the person (or yourself) that you are praying for.

 

This one is tender.  Praying for you in this.  And don’t forget to share on social media or with a friend who could benefit.  It would mean so much to me.  And if you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word Wednesday, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.