Contemplations on a Hymn (Part 3)

So I got this new phone several months ago and have been desperately searching for a free (yes, I'm cheap) gps navagation program so that I don't get lost when I am traveling to meetings, etc. Well, my search continues since all I have found so far are programs that aren't accurate and programs where I have to read the directions while driving. Why are we so obsessed with these GPS thingys anyway? Well, I realized that part of the reason is that I incredibly dislike the feeling of being lost. Desperately looking around for any recognizable sign that will point me in the right direction. This is a terrible feeling for someone that enjoys driving and it just ruins the entire experience. The other reason is that I don't really like being late because I got lost. I don't like having to tells others that I didn't know where I was going or that I got completely lost. I think these things are generally true in other areas of my life - I don't like feeling lost, I don't like having to tell others that I'm lost, and I don't like not being in control enough to at least know where I'm going. I think that's why Grace sounds so amazing; because I was lost and now I'm found. And it's not that I just got a little turned around! I was headed east when I wanted to go north. If God had not found me I would have continued forever eastward. Thank you God that "I once was lost but now am found"...now I can enjoy the ride.

Contemplations on a Hymn (part 2)

Wretch: a base, despicable, or vile person.

Is that me? At my core and in my flesh is that who I am? If I am willing to be honest...yes... That's hard to admit and hard to see...but true. Pride wants to tell me that I'm better than that. Sin tells me that the vileness is ok, that it feels good, that it won't be bad for me or others around me. So how can God stand to call me close to Him? And why would He chose to do so? Because he wants to save me, to heal me, to restore me. Now that grace sounds even sweeter next to me - for I know what I am, I know what thoughts lie deep. The fact that He calls me knowing who I am - as Todd said in the comments on my last post - is sweet grace. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

God, I admit my wretchedness and thank you for your forgiveness, for your healing, for your grace. Thank you for loving me, the wretch. Amen.