The Rain

Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

A downpour, gully washer, spilled buckets, whatever you call it, the rain drenched our little part of the planet. As I drove and listened to the drum of drops on my rag top, I thought about how the rain cleans as it falls. Those fine drops of water wash the salt off cars, dirt from the sidewalks and snow from the yards. The rain scrubs the atmosphere and pushes dirt off the streets.

That's how Jesus' blood and grace works. They pour over me and wash away my sins. Jesus heart beats with mine, just like the rain tapping on the top of my Jeep. He knows me, he understands me, and he loves me so much that he died for me. He became the sacrifice for you and me.

I've been reading about sacrifices in the book of Exodus and wow was that an interesting time to follow God. I'm thankful I'm under the blood of Jesus. Like the rain, his sacrifice scrubs away my wrongs. He cleanses me with his grace. Grace that's offered to whomever will follow Jesus.

Sin binds us to this world, but Jesus cleansing blood sets us free.

So Many Socks

Psalm 51:7-10

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

When my kids were at home the laundry piled up. Keeping jeans, sports uniforms, and oh so many socks clean turned into a daily task. I was thankful when the girls were old enough to help out. One of the challenges of washing clothes still plagues me. Stains. Those daily stains of life can be a real challenge. Ketchup, grass stains, food, even paint. Thank goodness for Dawn dish detergent which worked for most of them.

In the Psalm, David knew his stains ran deeper than his outward appearance, they marred his soul. For him to be totally cleansed he needed God. The only way he'd be whiter than snow was to bow before his Lord. We've all sinned, it is the nature of people to mess up. There's only one way to be cleansed. Jesus. He gave his life as a sacrifice for all of us. I am still amazed that he loves me that much. Years ago I bowed before him, accepted his grace, got baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. Even though I still fall down, he loves me and accepts my repentant prayers. Jesus is the only way to heaven. He's the way, the truth and the light. And living for him fills my life with joy and hope. Praise God for his grace!