“Repentance isn’t crying; repentance is changing.” David’s sin of adultery and murder needed something the world doesn’t offer. It needed repentance met with forgiveness. That is the goodness of the gospel. Sin would leave us hopeless, but Christ leaves us hopeful!
I don’t want shallow, surface, worldly sorrow. I want to be changed to be more like Jesus – change that lasts! I don’t want mere emotionalism brought about by thoughts of getting caught, losing stature, or fearing man’s thoughts. I need restoration to a holy God as David cried, “against You and You alone have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4).
I need not only to recognize my sin, but I also need to repent of it – to intentionally do whatever it takes to walk away from every hint and scent of sin!
In turning away from sin, I must turn to Christ in humble trusting submission, ready to obey whatever He says. Repentance generates a desire to pursue purity and do what pleases God. Being restored to Christ, not the deceitfulness of sin, brings joy, peace, contentment, and fulfillment.
The Gospel, that Jesus forgives sin through His redeeming death and resurrection, frees me from the fear of repentance, the shame of sin, the guilt of transgression, and the burden of unforgiveness. The Gospel allows for freedom, forgiveness, and restoration to God!
Thank God He loves me when unlovable!
Thank God He has mercy for second chances!
Thank God He has patience for my pride!
Thank God He pursues me with persistence!
Thank God He convicts of sin!
Thank God He imparts the courage to confess!
Thank God He leads me to repentance!
Thank God He reminds me of His Word’s truth!
Thank God He changes my evil desires!
Thank God He generates desire for holiness!
Thank God He gives me Himself to walk out change!
Thank God He grants grace for new beginnings!
Thank God He gifts me joy in renewal!
Thank God He liberates captives!
Thank God He restores so I can be a witness!
Thank God He will do it for you, too!
stephen R Harrison 
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