by Desiree Bustamante

We are no longer stuck in the mud of sin.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.”
Psalm 40:1-3 New Living Translation

Have you ever walked through a field of mud only to become stuck? The muck had such a grip on you as it engulfed your feet. It was difficult to release the suction.

Maybe you find sin to be like mud, beckoning you to slosh around in it because it looks so inviting, only to find yourself in sludge so deep you can’t release yourself from its grip. You cry out to be rescued. Then your Savior steps in, releasing you from the hold the filth of sin has on you.

This season of Lent reminds us of the great sacrifice Christ made to pull us out of the mud of our sin. We are blessed that He refused to leave us caked in guilt to wallow in hopelessness. Our Savior carried us to safety, washed away all the ugly muck with His blood and made us white as snow with His forgiveness. We are now clean and able to walk freely again with Him. Each day He restores our souls and dwells in us because He loves us passionately and profoundly. Satan’s temptations can never win against such a fierce love that guards our hearts, minds and souls against all evil.

Today, honor Jesus for His great gift to you, for He has restored you, His precious child.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado