Sin Robs Us of God's Blessing
Isaiah 59:1-2, "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
Today's verse reminds us of the impact sin has on our relationship with God. People question why God seems to be absent from their lives, often perplexed by this reality. Yet the problem isn't with the LORD but with us. Isaiah proclaims in verse one, "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." God's arm is as strong as ever, His hearing is perfect and uninhibited. BUT ... sin gets in the way, and when sin gets in the way it separates between us and God. It doesn't negate our relationship, but it causes God to turn His face from us, THAT HE WILL NOT HEAR.
We are promised the same response from God in Psalm 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." We cannot expect God's blessing to be poured out upon us when our lives are filled with sin. Sin robs us of God's blessing.
Are you walking rightly before the Lord? Make sure to confess and forsake any and all known sin in your life. Experiencing God's blessing and answered prayer depend upon it.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Does God seem to be distant in your life today? Is this true? What might the problem be in such a circumstance?
2. List some of the primary consequences of unconfessed sin in your life? Can anyone know all the consequences?
3. How would you describe your current walk with God? Anything need to improve?