Watching the neighborhood kids while they were out playing a game of tag in the street one day, I thought back to my own childhood; to the times I would take part in some playground game with a few classmates during recess or physical education class. Regardless of the game we chose to play – four square, tetherball, tag, soccer, softball or kickball – someone would inevitably either not be paying attention at the start of the game and therefore be tagged as ‘it’ or else ‘out’ practically as soon as the game started; or else would not have the proper grip to swing the bat or have the correct hand/foot position in order to place the ball appropriately to score against the opposing team.
There was always one of these head-in-the-clouds individuals at every game session whose first words uttered after an unsuccessful first attempt in the game would invariably be, “Hey! I wasn’t ready. Do over.”
If the other players were lenient and felt accommodating, no penalty was assigned and another turn was granted, hopefully with greater success. During a more serious game, however, this player would unhesitatingly be ‘out’ and relegated to the end of the line, the sidelines or the bench in order to await their next turn.
Ah, childhood. Don’t you wish that adult life could be lived with those same playground rules? Who of us would not love to yell “do over” whenever we said or did something wrong (or didn’t do or say something that we should have) and have the slate wiped clean so that we could be afforded another opportunity to get it right the next time?
Psalm 86:5-7 “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.”
Our Lord, who loves us more than we can fathom, is eager to listen to our cries for forgiveness, help and mercy. Not only will He listen, but He will answer when we call to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The clock cannot be turned back to a specific time in order for any us to undo an action, or else to erase words that should not have been spoken; yet through Christ, we can be made into a new creation where, once obtained, healing and reconciliation both from the past and for the present is possible because “all things are become new.”
Unlike the games of childhood, there are no ‘do-overs’ available to any of us. We are, however, offered a fresh start that’s ours for the asking. Yes, it truly is that simple. The choice is yours. He’s waiting for you.
(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)
There was always one of these head-in-the-clouds individuals at every game session whose first words uttered after an unsuccessful first attempt in the game would invariably be, “Hey! I wasn’t ready. Do over.”
If the other players were lenient and felt accommodating, no penalty was assigned and another turn was granted, hopefully with greater success. During a more serious game, however, this player would unhesitatingly be ‘out’ and relegated to the end of the line, the sidelines or the bench in order to await their next turn.
Ah, childhood. Don’t you wish that adult life could be lived with those same playground rules? Who of us would not love to yell “do over” whenever we said or did something wrong (or didn’t do or say something that we should have) and have the slate wiped clean so that we could be afforded another opportunity to get it right the next time?
Psalm 86:5-7 “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.”
Our Lord, who loves us more than we can fathom, is eager to listen to our cries for forgiveness, help and mercy. Not only will He listen, but He will answer when we call to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The clock cannot be turned back to a specific time in order for any us to undo an action, or else to erase words that should not have been spoken; yet through Christ, we can be made into a new creation where, once obtained, healing and reconciliation both from the past and for the present is possible because “all things are become new.”
Unlike the games of childhood, there are no ‘do-overs’ available to any of us. We are, however, offered a fresh start that’s ours for the asking. Yes, it truly is that simple. The choice is yours. He’s waiting for you.
(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)
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