“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1.7 NKJV – “…To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelations 1.5 NKJV

During hot summer days it can be quite easy to get sweaty and dirty especially if we’re working outside. On days like these, isn’t it amazing just how much better we feel after having a nice cool shower? I for one feel so reinvigorated after I have had a chance to wash off all the sweat, dirt, and grime and rinse clean. That clean and refreshing feeling tends to make us feel so good about ourselves; it fills us with a new sense of energy and stamina. 

A key ingredient in the washing process is soap. The spiritual equivalent to your favorite brand of soap is the blood of Jesus Christ. This spiritual soap cleanses us from all sin; and it not only makes us feel good about ourselves but it truly gives us new energy and stamina.  Even as Christian we make mistakes, and we can get caught up  focusing on our mistakes, our failures and our weaknesses as Christians. And as a result of that we can often be very unforgiving and hard on ourselves. Nevertheless, there is no stain, flaw, mistake, imperfection or sin that cannot be washed away by the blood of Jesus. God wants us to realize we are freed and cleansed from our sins. 

Instead of focusing on ourselves and what we have done wrong in the past, He wants us to focus on our relationship with Him. He has paid a great cost to cleanse us and that is exactly how He sees us, as clean. Remember: “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 CSB

How hard are you on yourself? Where is your focus? Knowing the price Christ paid and how clean His blood makes us should only energize us to live a life enjoying the presence of God. Each and every morning that God wakes you and I, is because of His mercy toward us. This gives us the opportunity to wake with a clean slate and a new beginning. Each night that I lay down to sleep, I’m looking forward to the new day because each day that God gives us is a fresh start with Him. This fills my heart with unspeakable joy and gratitude. I don’t know about you but I need that, everyday! So, may you enjoy the presence of God today.