“God does not give us everything we want, but He does lead us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
On the one hand, Jesus forgave all our sins on the cross. On the other hand, we are to ask forgiveness for our sins. How can all be forgiven; and yet, we are to constantly ask for it be true at the same time?
Think of muddy feet. If you have bathed and are wearing clean clothes, you don’t need to take a shower or change clothes when you return home.
As you go about your day wearing sandals, though, your feet can become pretty grimy depending on where you walked. Upon returning home, if you want that fresh feeling to return, you only have to wash your feet.
If you’ve ever worn sandals, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re clean; and yet, you feel uncomfortable at the same time.
Jesus bathes those who put their faith in Him as Lord. We are forgiven at the cross, period. But, can we feel estranged or like something is just not right? Yes.
When you start to feel this way, simply ask the Spirit to show you if there is sin in your life that needs to be washed away/forgiven. Why? Sin causes us to be separated from Him, the source of freshness.
Don’t start down a guilt trip. Simply acknowledge (confess) what the Spirit shows you, ask forgiveness, and whala, the mud is gone. The refreshed feeling returns.
Be sensitive to that grimy feeling. Let Jesus wash it away! Stay refreshed.