I Repent

Daily Bread

Daily Bread Devotions by Chuck Myer Daily Bread Archive | Sign up for our resources

There is a struggle that each of us faces, daily . . . . .

“For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the member of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, which is in my members.” (Romans 7:22:-23 – NASB)

As a “new creation” in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17) I am one who “joyfully concur(s) with the law of God.” I believe it to be good and right and perfect in every way. I desire, in my new state, to do the “law of God,” not thinking I can earn my salvation by keeping “the law” but motivated by the desire to keep it because I love my Lord.

But I find I stumble a lot! I struggle at times with sin like a man plagued by a persistent physical problem, experiencing the very “war” the apostle Paul wrote of in our text, a “war . . . in my members,” that is, in my flesh. I sense the Spirit’s words and I often feel the powerful tug of “my members” to go against His leading . . . and the “war” becomes very real.

This morning, as I listened to a song sung by Steve Green, the words brought deep conviction to my soul. They are the words of a song entitled, “I Repent.” Maybe these words are also very relevant to you . . . .

“I regret the hours I have wasted and the pleasures I have tasted that You were never in.
And I confess that though Your love is in me, it doesn’t always win me when competing with my sin.”

I “concur” with these words! I agree with them, I identify with them! And I desire to respond as the words of the song continue from here,

“And I repent, making no excuses. I repent, no one else to blame”
And I return to fall in love with Jesus, I bow down on my knees . . . and I repent.”

Oh yes Lord, I realize the “war” that wages “in my members,” and I realize that I all too often give in to “my sin.” And “I regret the hours I have wasted and the pleasures I have tasted that You were never in,” that You were “never” a part of. And Lord, “I confess” this to You and I desire in my heart Lord to “repent” and to “return” and to “fall in love” with You . . .

“And I confess I need You to revive me, put selfishness behind me, and take up my cross again”

The apostle Paul realized it was not his reformed soul (mind) causing him to sin but his sinful flesh (“members”). And so I realize this also, just as the Scriptures teach . . . and when my “love” for Christ “doesn’t always win me” I desire to “repent,” and to “put selfishness behind me, and take up my cross again” (cf. Luke 9:23).

Have a good day brethren . . . and as you walk, know well that we do stumble, and sometimes it’s often. But rejoice and be reminded that it is our calling to repent and turn back to loving obedience to Christ by the power that works within us (Ephesians 3:20).

Articles about Repentance

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.