Numbers 4; Psalm 38; Song of Songs 2; Hebrews 2

For my iniquities have gone over my head;
    like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. (Psalm 38:4 ESV)

Often, I find I can ignore my sins. Rationalize them, excuse them, or maybe compare them to other people’s “worse” sins and come out looking pretty good. Or good enough. Or passable, maybe.

Then I stop and really consider my sins. My iniquities, wickedness, evil, rebellion, pride, heavy burdens, deception, discontent, self-reliance, neglect of doing good, materialism, wastefulness, laziness, and on the list goes. My sins are heavy. They are serious and beyond my ability to resolve. They are not just mistakes to apologize for or minimize.

My heart throbs; my strength fails me,
    and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me. (Psalm 38:10 ESV)

My sins destroy relationships. They place distance between myself and God as I step further away and build a wall of rationalization and guilt. They tear down trust in my human relationships also and love takes a backseat to pride and selfishness.

Once again, I become relentless in my attack of sin as I find myself pondering again the cross. He didn’t die and conquer death so I could live however I please. He faced temptation and suffering so I could have a better life and eternity. He endured suffering knowing that the best outcome required it. I can’t expect an easy life if I look to Christ as my example.

¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18 ESV)

Despite the difficulties, He is there. Ever and always. He has been through it. He walked this earth and faced similar challenges and he is ready to walk us through it. He walks not as a distant helper, but as one intimately acquainted with the daily challenge of human life.

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)

And, despite the closeness, we can still drift away if we don’t remain diligent.

Thankful. Walking. Vigilance. Learning. Growing.

Stepping in His steps.

 

 

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