All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift. — Romans 3:23–24 ESV
Have you ever placed your chair on the beach right on the ocean’s rim? It may be the most relaxing spot on shore. The chair legs sink into the wet sand so that you are completely stationary. Leaning back and lying still, feeling the breeze, you unwind as the waves come up and cool your feet as the tide tickles your toes. This is what vacations are made of.
When we receive the grace of God, it’s like taking a vacation for our soul. In a world where we are conditioned, educated, and trained on how to work for a living for food, entertainment, and daily needs, it’s easy to translate this work mentality to church and faith. Surely we must work as hard, if not harder, to be good and righteous enough for God, to get to partake in His gifts, peace, and promises. No wonder, when we fail in these attempts, that we feel defeated, maybe even angry or depressed: we didn’t hit the mark.
The Bible assures us that no one has hit the mark, but goodness and righteousness have already been attained for us. We are justified, made right, brought up to heavenly standards as a gift freely given by Jesus. Our souls can sit in beach chairs by the tide, lean back, and soak up the warmth of God’s radiant love. The ocean waves wash our feet just as Jesus washes us.
Jesus, my soul needs a vacation from striving toward unrealistic standards. Sit me by Your cleansing waters and help me receive Your goodness freely.
Excerpted with permission from Devotions from the Beach, copyright Thomas Nelson.
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Your Turn
Relax. Bask in the Son. Vacation in Him today! Isn’t that an amazing realization — the grace of God means that although we miss the mark, even though we sin and fail, God’s goodness is poured out on us anyway! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you about grace! ~ Devotionals Daily
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