Pattern for Christian Growth

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah, I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:5–11)

This is a summary of the Christian life. It begins with an awareness of sin and failure, and with the Lord coming with forgiveness and giving great joy. It continues with repetition — sin exposed, forgiveness and cleansing, then great joy. 

This is not about being saved over and over, but being made clean, measuring up to the what He has already done. The sin He brings to my attention might be a current disobedience, or it might be a life-attitude that needs to go because it is hindering me from being like Jesus. Whatever the Holy Spirit reveals, I must acknowledge lest it continues to mess with this wonderful new life in Christ.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6–7)

 After discovering this pattern, I’ve long been convinced that this is God's way of transforming my life and the more I cooperate, the closer He seems.

Jesus. Thank You for being my Redeemer, for working on and in my life, for granting me the privilege of being Your forever child, and granting great joy even in the tough times. You are indeed all I need.