The God of Forgiveness

“But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them…” – Nehemiah 9:17

You went too far this time. You knew it as soon as you had that last drink. As soon as you visited that dark website. As soon as you agreed to do that one thing.

Now you’re left feeling empty, broken, and defeated. You knew you shouldn’t have done it. You promised yourself last time that you would do better.

Maybe you even made those same promises to other people. You told your spouse it was the last time you’d download pornography. You told your father you would call him when you were tempted to pick up that bottle. You promised your child that you would be there on time until your boss asked for a favor.

In these moments, the voice of your enemy often gets loud. He says things like, “You’ll never be free. You should just stop trying. God is tired of you anyway. He’s not listening to your prayers anymore and who could blame Him? You’ve gone too far this time.”

But in those moments, remember. Remember that you serve the God who forgives. He is gracious and compassionate. He is slow to anger, and His love is deep. It’s abiding. It washes us clean. He won’t desert you because of your sins. Rather, He waits to welcome you back into His embrace.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

God, I confess that I sinned again. I promised I’d be better and make different choices. But I’m powerless unless You help me. Give me victory over this temptation. Give me the courage to change. In Jesus’ name, Amen.