Wednesday, August 10 – Acts 3:19

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

At some point, you probably have heard or used the phrase, “I need to get this off my chest.” We use this phrase to express that there is something we have been holding onto and need to share with others. The courage needed to build up to this moment can be great. So often we get consumed by the consequences of what we will share that we put off sharing what needs to be said.

We often think of repentance negatively. It can be humiliating, hard, and may change our lives where we would rather stick to the status quo. Often, the idea is so unfavorable that it is difficult to think about the last time we repented for anything. We know we are not perfect people, but the act of repentance—saying “I’m sorry” and actively turning away from our sin and running toward Jesus—may feel overwhelming. Repentance requires admitting we are wrong and thinking deeply about our actions. It can be a painful process but, from this passage and many others in Scripture, we see that these difficult steps are never in vain. A refreshing awaits. There is a closeness with God when we repent and turn to Him. There is true restoration.

Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” What sins are entangling you today? Don’t wait a moment longer. Repent and run toward the Savior who will make you whole and refresh you with His presence.

• What are some small things that have entangled you?
• What are some things that were painful but valuable in your life? How does repentance fit in that process?
• Pray and repent of those things that are entangling you.