Ignoring God

 

By: Carole L. Haines 

I was lying there right before falling asleep and felt that little tug at my heart to turn off the TV and get in God’s Word to listen instead. I shifted uneasily as if brushing away a fly and continued to watch TV. The next morning, my heart was so restless, then God reminded me of how I had ignored His gentle whisper last night. I was crushed. 

I immediately confessed the sin, and I know God has forgiven and restored me. But what really got to me was the fact that I was ignoring God. I was choosing some stupid TV show over the Precious and Privileged voice of God. As I shared this with my husband, I just broke down and cried as I realized that I brushed off Almighty God who had created me and who loves me without end and will never ignore my calls to Him. God reminded me of the following Scripture. 

“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) 

Conviction is a gift from God. It is like pain in our bodies or emotions, letting us know something is not right. Conviction lets us know something is not right in our souls. In my time of confession that followed this conviction, I could feel the weight of guilt lifting off of me. I felt lighter and joy began to rush in and replace the tears. God’s Word tells us: 

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 
Therefore, let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” 
(Hebrews 4:14-16) 

The NKJV tells us to “come boldly” to God’s Throne of Grace. Not pridefully, but boldly believing His promises, His Word, and His forgiveness. Conviction, repentance, confession, these are all privileges God has given us that produce in our freedom, true freedom. Notice also, that there are two kinds of sorrow, godly sorrow,
and worldly worry. Each has its own results. I will expand more on that tomorrow. Be Blessed, Dear Ones, and yield to Your King’s touch this day.