A Lent Reflection for Friday, March 3rd
By Gillie D. Abdiraxman-Issa
Lectionary reading Psalm 121, Micah 7:18-20; Romans 3:21-31
Selected passage: Micah 7:18-20 New American Standard Bible
Read
Micah 7:18-20 NASB
18 Who is a God like You, who pardons wrongdoing
And passes over a rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?
He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
19 He will again take pity on us;
He will trample on our wrongdoings.
Yes, You will cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea.
20 You will give truth to Jacob
And favor to Abraham,
Which You swore to our forefathers
From the days of old.
Reflect
As I read the passage in Micah, I struggled to find myself in the scriptures. I studied for a while on the references and the meaning of the text, and ultimately what to say to you; the person reading this, and to me, the one he is speaking to. Admittedly, it was not easy to “Be” with him at this moment. You know, it is one thing to reflect on the scriptures, it's another to write your reflection and be open to what God reveals... The part where he tells you; there was another way to handle that situation or maybe you shouldn't have gossiped about that person or acted ugly towards them. Maybe you need his mercy, too!
Many of you may feel like that as you reflect on some things you may not be proud of in your personal and professional lives. Perhaps, you feel a tug to reconcile your wrongdoings and repent your sins because that prayer point you read in the devotional or scripture you stumbled upon reveals the truth of his word.
As for me, the scripture that rang true was verse 19. When I stopped wrestling and asked the question, What is God saying? What is he asking or telling me? I realized he wanted me to insert my name in verse 19.
In the text, When God is about to deliver his people, he stirs up their friends to pray for them. Micah is filled with wonder at the goodness and long suffering of God. Micah, the prophet revels in the thought of Divine goodness.
If left to ourselves, our sins will be too hard for us; but God's grace shall be sufficient to subdue them so that they shall not rule us, and then they shall not ruin us. When God forgives sin, he cares that it will never be remembered again against the sinner. He casts their sins into the sea; not near the shore-side, where they may appear again, but into the depth of the sea, never to rise again. All their sins shall be cast there, for when God forgives sin, he forgives all
Response
During this Lenten season, take the time to reflect on the imagery of your sins being put into the depth of the sea, never to rise again.
Remind yourself by drawing a picture of God tossing your sins into a sea of forgetfulness. Think of it dissolving like salt on ice. Remember ALL your sins shall be cast there, for when God forgives sin, he forgives all.
Exercise: What is God saying? What is he asking or telling me?
Insert your name in verse 19.
He will again take pity on _______
He will trample on ______ wrongdoings.
Yes, You will cast all _____ sins
Into the depths of the sea.
Rest
Lord, we take refuge in you. Thank you for your divine love. Thank you for showing pity on me. Thank you for your ability to forget and help me lean on you so I can be merciful and kind toward others. Show me how to have wholesome speech and kindness. Thank you for Jesus who died for all of our sins. Thank you for taking care of me and those that I care for. I bow before you wanting to learn of your ways. Teach me how to have your thought and teach me your secrets. I want to be trusted by you, Lord. I want to be like your prophet Micah, trustworthy and an exhorter to and for your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.
About the Author
Gillie is a lover of people and creative outlets. In her spare time, she enjoys quiet moments with God, imagining her next beautiful trip or preparing tasty meals for loved ones while listening to worship music; her new favorite is Victoria Orenze. Hearing and listening with clarity is a desire she seeks after often. She is a wife, a #Boymom of four, a Spiritual Director, a Businesswoman, and a budding author who helps entrepreneurs and business owners, who are trainers and coaches, establish stronger brands. Connect on IG: @GillieIssa and ask to be on her mailing list for her upcoming book by sending an email to gillie@gillieissa.com
I have a hard time remembering that once God forgives my sins, they are truly forgiven. I bring them back to mind. This isn’t God’s intention.