Regarding His Works

For many years, I had little regard for God and His works. But if this sounds like the lead in to a stirring conversion narrative, sorry to disappoint. My story is not that simple.

Oh, I was a sinner all right! Did I reject God's claim on my life? Surely! Practically, I acted like an atheist. But what would anyone else have observed? Maybe a sincere Christian with a sin problem. Or a child of God with insurmountable struggles. Yet, peel away the protective layers of hypocrisy, and it would have revealed a heart that was selfish and hard with little regard for God and His ways.

Then over several months, God graciously, mercifully, and systematically took this hard-hearted hypocrite apart. He did tear me down, as the Psalmist predicted ... but not to leave me there. No, in His amazing mercy and grace, He took this sinner — this practical atheist — and began to build me up for His glory and for His service. Now I can sing with the Psalmist, “Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalm 28:6-7).

Have you ever disregarded God? Perhaps you are doing it now. If so, don't wait for Him to tear you down. Turn to Him, receive His forgiveness, and experience the joy of His loving restoration.

Lord God, as I look back over decades, I am astounded at your grace and patience with me. Thank you for breaking me in order to heal me and to restore me to you. I am forever your grateful, undeserving child! Amen.

Go Deeper — Read through Psalm 28 several times, then write out the ways you have disregarded God and His works. Offer these sins and failures to God and ask Him to forgive you and build you up. Then joyfully express your thanks to the God of all mercy.

Read Further — Take a look at this brief article on The Nine Ungrateful Lepers. See why nine out of ten who were healed didn’t return to thank Jesus. Do any of the reasons speak to you?