Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 2:22 “Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me.”

My husband’s recent ministry road trip meant that extra effort was needed to keep the car looking presentable. After an especially long car-cleaning session, it felt good to have all that road dust removed. However, that night there was a blustery rain storm. In the morning, he expected to simply have an added rinse. Instead, the car was covered with “mud rain!” During the night those winds had blown in dust particles that had combined with the raindrops, negating all his cleaning!

Today’s verse is God’s reprimand to the Israelites for turning away from Him to false gods. They even knew they were were guilty but said, “It’s no use! I love foreign gods and I must go after them.” (verse 25) Their poor attempts at washing themselves did nothing to remove the guilt as they continued in their disobedience. God in His grace and mercy would have forgiven their sin and guilt had they been sincerely repentant.

Turning away from what I know to be wrong requires His power. There are times I too am thinking, “It’s no use” when desiring change. Yet, He has promised a “way out” when feeling overwhelmed with temptation. (I Cor. 10:13) He understands everything I am thinking and feeling and He is there, ready to give the grace that says “no” to temptation. (Titus 2:11-12) And when I blow it, His cleansing not only removes the sin but also the guilt!

Lord, thank you for your patient and complete forgiveness!