Are You Safe? Understanding the Power of Repentance

Because the Lord is my shepherdI have everything I need,

~From the song, "Safe in His Arms" by Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers

Recently, I thought back on this gospel hit from my teenage years and asked myself...

How can we be safe in His arms if we are not close?

We can't.

So, what keeps us close to God?

Repentance. 

Sounds simple, but it never is because of what pulled us away in the first place.

Sin.

You and Sin

Sin's sole purpose is to manipulate your relationship with God,

to decrease the proximity of your intimacy with Christ,

to disrupt the love affair between you and the Holy Spirit using false promises of pleasure (lust of the eye, lust of the flesh) or self-superiority (pride of life).

Sin is a beast.

It feeds on your faith while never satisfying your appetite but instead feeding you lies to convince that your actions are unredeemable or you can do bad all by yourself.

Now, it has you where it wants you. Vulnerable for the kill.

Guilt.

Low self-esteem.

Self-hate.

Depression.

These are just some of the vulnerable spaces we reside in when we have unresolved issues with God, but none of this is what we want.

I want safety, don't you? It is available when we repent.

You and Repentance

Most of my life when I have heard talk of repentance it has been bathed in fire and brimstone - and it is a warning - but I now believe it to be so much more.

Acknowledge the wrong done, live to make it right.

That's it. That's repentance.

Is It That simple?

Just because repentance is simple does not mean it is easy. We need to consider what happens when we decide not to repent.

Since Genesis, Jesus has been witness to the empty arms of Our Father longing to hold us once again and keep us safe. Every day we live out of his will is another day of empty arms.

Our repentance prepares the road for Jesus to bring about what will keep us close and keep us safe. His walk straightened out the path for our

salvation,

forgiveness,

healing,

deliverance.

Safety.

So will yours.

When the storms of life are raging and the billows roll it is better to be in the safety of His arms than the hands of the wicked, yes? 

Then, repent.

But only if you want access to all the wonderful things waiting for you in His arms.

Your choice.

PHILLIPA WILLIAMS

AUTHOR | SPEAKER | MINISTRY COACH

If life is built on the choices we make, let's choose wisely!

This one convicted me!

How about you?

Next week... LOVE!

We all want it, so why don't we all have it?????

Is how you see love limiting you? Let's talk about it next week.

Missed this week's prayer? Click below:

"Lord, Keep Us Safe!"

In the meantime remember I love you, but God loves you so much more!

Be courageous.