Rest for the Grieving Heart

Every time I think of the word "shame," I remember Gomer Pyle's "Shame! Shame! Shame!" exclamation.  Pyle, simple-minded and good-natured, is the center of slapstick humor even today.  Not only that, the term "Gomer Pyle" is used by U.S. Marines to describe recruits who continually mess up or need extra training. In U.S. Naval Aviation, dogfight adversaries identified as non-hostile are referred to as "gomers." Pyle would most likely say "gawwww-leeeee" to that!

 

The Apostle Paul writes about godly grief - not something pondered much anymore.  We grieve at the death of someone we love, at the loss of a pet, loss of a job or a valued possession, but how many of us mourn over our sin?  Sure, we're sorry and we ask forgiveness and are forgiven but when was the last time you really lamented over your sin?  Here's what Paul says "godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10a).  We must not confuse grief over sin with guilt.  A true turning away from sin (repentance) is preceded by godly sorrow, which comes from a deep realization we have offended Almighty God.  Consider the contrast of offending God – just knowing you broke the rules and you feel bad, you are guilty.  There’s a huge and eternally significant difference!  Genuine godly sorrow always leads to repentance -- which leads to reformation -- which leads to salvation!  You know how I love books, and besides the Bible, one that has become a treasure is The Valley of Vision - a collection of Puritan prayers.  Each prayer thunders the heart of a truly penitent soul!  The more I read those prayers, the more I am grieved over my lack of grief!  How wonderful the resting place for the genuine grieving and repentant heart: that wonderful place is forgiveness, where the ground is still soft with the precious blood stains of Christ.  Hallelujah!  Amen!  With all due Respect to The Savior and in the words of Gomer Pyle, "Shazam!"