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“If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede?” (1 Samuel 2:25a)

How many times have I needed and wanted to have the LORD fight for me? Probably more times than I can count. There have been occasions where I know that I am being accused of things that just aren’t accurate, and yet, I know that every time that my heart has cried out to my Heavenly Father for help, He has come to save me.

Here’s the thing: God is a good and loving God. He is kind and compassionate. He is full of grace and truth. God is also a just God. He sees and knows situations in their entirety. Not in part. And because God sees it all, and because He hears the cries of His people, God will mediate. He will bring justice.

One of the things I am well aware of in my own life is the multiple times that I have absolutely blown it. I know when my choices were not holy, right or good. I know when I have sinned. I regret my choices afterward, but often in the moment of decision, my wants and desires became more important to me than following the wants and desires – and staying in the boundaries – that my Father had for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t know what His guidelines were. I knew. I just didn’t do.

Yet God in His great love and mercy has forgiven me of my sins. Each and every one. I am not stuck in them. I have not been cast away from the Father. He still loves me. Cares for me. Leads me. Even though I don’t deserve it, God has redeemed me.

My heart hurts when I think about the ways and times when I have allowed myself to hurt others. I am not trying to make light of it – I really am not. But honestly, the times where I have sinned against the LORD are the absolute worst for me. Those times where I have doubted God. Those times where I have tried to play God. Those times where I have misrepresented Him. Those times where I have treated Him as if I didn’t need Him. Friend, those are the times were I am most regretful. Why would I do this to the One who loves me unconditionally? Why would I do this to the One who knows intimately? Why would I do this to the One who embodies perfection, all wisdom, all knowledge, and holds the key to life eternal?

“Who is able to stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?” (1 Samuel 6:20a) Not me. Not by myself. Not in my present condition.

And yet, I am not left there. I am forgiven. I am free. I am washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. I have an advocate. I have One who goes before me to plead my case before the Father and His name is Jesus.

This gift was not deserved. It came at a great cost – but the cost was not mine. What little cost for following Him (denying self) cannot compare to the cost He paid of taking my sins – the sins of the world – upon Himself and heading to the cross. Sin no longer has it’s hold. Death no longer has final say. There is One who intercedes for us.

Blessings!