40 days of prayer - day 11

40 Days of Prayer - Day 11

God’s Forgiveness and Cleansing from Shame

Author: Bethany Force

Psalms 103:12 – "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."

Isaiah 1:18 – "Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool."

Whenever I read Isaiah 1:18, I automatically hear the song, “White As Snow,” in my mind. Did anyone else grow up singing “White As Snow” in church? Maybe it was only me. If you’re curious what this 1993 gem sounds like, check it out on youtube. 

When I listen to this Maranatha Singers hit, I can’t help but cringe a little. It just sounds so dated: I mean tune in on that synthesizer! But also, hearing it brings me right back to the 9:30 am contemporary service lounging on the wooden pew by the heater curled up next to my dad hearing my mom sing: “White as snow, white as snow, though my sins are like scarlet; Lord I know, Lord I know, that I’m clean and forgiven. Through the power of your blood, through the wonder of your love, through faith in you I know that I can be white as snow.”

As a child, I didn’t really understand these lyrics. I think I got caught up in the contrast of white snow and scarlett blood, and I completely missed the redemption. But now, as an adult, I look back on those lyrics and realize the beauty of the imagery.  

Do you remember the story of the prodigal son? Remember what the father did when the son came home? The son had squandered all of his inheritance; he sulked home dejected and ashamed, and the father raced out to greet him and embraced him. In the same way, when we come to God, He is there with open arms and a huge smile ready to give us a hug that fills us to overflowing. 

How amazing that when God looks at us, he doesn’t see our filth; he sees the perfection of Jesus. Jesus’s blood has washed away our sins, and when God forgives you, it’s permanent. There’s nothing left on your record. He doesn’t hold grudges. He sees a perfect daughter or son whom he can’t wait to run and embrace. As we end in prayer, imagine Jesus with his arms outstretched, racing to embrace you. 

Prayer: 

Jesus, I feel like I’ve failed you again and again. When I look at some of the decisions I’ve made in my life, I can’t help but be filled with shame. And yet, these verses in Psalms and Isaiah remind me that because of your sacrifice, you see perfection when you look at me. Thank you for loving me with a love that I can’t fully comprehend. Please forgive me for all the times I’ve sinned against you and help me to remember that your forgiveness is permanent. Help me to sit in your perfect embrace and relish in your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.