“He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:10, 12 NLT
God gives you what you need, not what you deserve.
We deserve judgement for our sins because we are guilty for doing bad things, but Jesus took the punishment we deserve. He has removed them “as far as the east is from the west.” Earth has a north pole and a south pole, but there is no end from east to west. God has taken your sin and wiped it out!
King David committed adultery, and then, to cover it up, he had the woman’s husband murdered. Can you imagine the guilt he carried? The far-reaching effects of adultery and murder are devastating. David didn’t deserve forgiveness or mercy from God. David knew he was wrong, and he also knew that God was a merciful God.
David prayed: “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2, NLT).
If you are struggling with a sin right now, read Psalm 51. Read it slowly, and read it several times. Make it your prayer and meditate on the truth. God is in the business of forgiveness; He can purify, cleanse, and restore you.
Follow David’s example. Admit your guilt to God and ask for His mercy. He will forgive you because He is good, not because you are good enough to earn it. God has forgiven you, so accept His forgiveness and forgive yourself too.