Have you heard?

Have you heard? Your sins are forgiven...your shame is put to shame in the presence of Jesus...your mistakes are redeemed...your life is made new...Have you heard? Do you believe?

I know what it's like to wholeheartedly hate yourself. I know what it's like to think that taking your own life was really the only option to overcome the darkness. I know what it's like to want to smash the mirror every time you looked at it. I know what it's like to hold yourself to the utmost standards because if you were to fall short then it would be another thing counted against you. I know what it's like to fall into sin because your heart aches for things unfulfilled. I know what it's like to gasp for breath in the midst of a panic attack because the thought of failure, of being a failure, appeared more real than Jesus' grace and mercy.

But Jesus was always there.

The Prince of Peace holding out his arms to embrace me in all of his majesty and glory. Who am I Lord? Don't you see Lord that I am unworthy, all I have is filthy rags? Don't you see the shackles and chains bound to me?  Don't you see that I am infested with sin? Why Lord do you beckon me into your presence?

Because My blood has redeemed you. My love for you redeems EVERYTHING.

You are precious to Me.
You are beautiful.
You were worth the suffering I endured on the cross.
You are now clothed in My righteousness.
You have been reconciled to Me.
Do you love me?

That moment of faith when you realize you can't keep cowering in the corner, hiding because you're covered in shame. That moment when you put it all on the line because Jesus is worth it and you turn to Him in full honesty and transparency of your shame and sin. That moment when you are embraced...when you realize for maybe the first time in your life that you are fully loved...that moment when the fountain of joy springs forth from the depth of your soul...that moment when you in turn embrace yourself.

Have you heard? Do you believe? Jesus loves you! That shame, that sin, that embarrassment, that failure, that mistake, that missing the mark of God's glorious standard. Yeah, all of that Jesus loves! And His love redeems EVERYTHING! There is hope for you in the midst of the struggle. There is joy - take it from someone who for probably 7 years has been praying for the fruit of joy in my life. Have you heard? Do you believe?