David and his Confidence in the Lord

I truly believe we have to have confidence that what the Bible says is true!    We should not doubt it as I often do.  John 3:16 says, "For this is how God loved the world.  He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  Verses 17-21 go on to talk about how Jesus came to not judge the world, but save it.  We are only judged when we don't follow Christ.    Vs. 20 says, "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed."
Vs. 20 lead me to the statement, we should not doubt it as I often do.  It is with embarrassment and shame to admit I don't have confidence in all the Bible says.  This is why I want to spend the year 2017 finding out how to fall in love with Jesus and DO IT!  There are so many times in my life that I have sinned, or gone against God on something I know he wouldn't approve of.  But the shame comes when I don't run straight to Him and bring it to light.  This doesn't mean I have to shout my sins from the roof top, but it does mean I have to go to Him.    There have been so many times in my life, I have not taken it to my knees in prayer, or I avoid people so I don't have to admit or confront anything.  Its a scary thing to realize that all of Vs. 20 must be real, not just the ending.  I know I fear having my sins exposed.  Who wouldn't?  But to have confidence that all the Bible is true, is to admit that I do have evil in me that must hate the light, and refuse to go near it.  I truly believe that I don't hate "the light" 100% or I wouldn't be attending church, or studying the Bible.  But I'm terrified that there's even a remote chance for evil in me.  That is not the type of person I want to be.  I also have confidence that when evil does strike my heart, that God will see me through it, as long as I come to Him. 
When church sermons bring up sinful people that were Godly, I often think of David.  He was a man after God's own heart, but yet had multiple sins.  I think he had confidence in God, that when he did wrong, he could always turn to Him for forgiveness.  In Psalms 16, David did not waiver in his confidence of his eternal salvation.  He says, "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.  I said the the Lord, 'You are my Master!  Every good thing I have comes from you.'  The godly people in the land are my true heroes!  I take pleasure in them!  Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.  Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine.  The land you have give me is a pleasant land.  What a wonderful inheritance!  I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."

So let me end this today, with confidence like Davids, that I know that Gods plan is to have me in Heaven after my death, all because He sent His son, Jesus, to take my sins once and for all.  I can have confidence that when evil comes to call, all I have to do is run to Him!

Reflection

As I reflect back on yesterday, Christmas 2016, I recall a question my mom's pastor asked, "Do you love Jesus, OR are you IN LOVE with Jesus?"  There is a difference, and I want to take 2017 exploring the Bible and finding out what it means to be IN LOVE with Jesus.  I would love for you to join me in this journey.  Since this is about Christ, let's make sure that our content stays user friendly.