“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, to sit alone in silence when the LORD has imposed it, to put one’s mouth to the dust (there may be hope), to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the LORD will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.” Lamentations 3:21-33
Wesleyan Core Term – Convincing Grace.
Many understand grace as God’s assistance or comfort in times of trial or need. But salivation requires more than a warm smile from the Divine. A basic prerequisite is the necessity for a person to realize that he or she stands in need as a sinner before God, as seen in Lamentations 3. Unless a person recognizes that condition, there is no real hope in salvation. When we don’t recognize sin as a basic reality in our lives, the message of God’s salvation falls on deaf ears. God’s presence and power (grace) is not just a comforting thought. When Jesus says, “Remember, I am with you always,” (Matt 28:20b), the implication is that one cannot escape the presence of God, even on occasions when one thinks, says or does things that are sinful. Christ’s presence (convicting/convincing grace) helps us recognize such sinfulness, which is often called the conviction of sin. This recognition of our sinful condition is a necessary pre-requisite to repentance. Wesley Study Bible pg 978
Every day is an opportunity to assess the depth and completeness of one’s discipleship. Honestly answering the question, “How is it with my soul?” is a great a great place to start. Try it today, allow Christ to convict then confess, ask forgiveness and receive God’s ongoing salvation.