My wife, Robyn, just finished reading through the Bible in about three months. I started through the Bible about two and a half years ago by reading some from the Old Testament and some from the New Testament. I’ve read through all of the New Testament at least once and I’ve made it as far as Ezekial in the Old Testament.

What’s interesting is that from Robyn’s quick read and my slow one–we both have concluded the same thing:

God is full of grace, but He’s holy and righteous at the same time and not to be messed with.

I’m reminded that the central character in history is God. It’s not me. It’s not you.

From before the beginning of time, God’s desires and God’s plans are what matter. This is His universe. He created it for His glory and pleasure. I get to enjoy it with Him, but I can’t make the mistake of thinking He exists to make me happy or to give me an easy life.

I am His creation and exist for His pleasure. Apart from Him, I have no purpose, no reason for being. Neither do you.

True happiness and meaning are found only when I wholeheartedly give myself to Him and live according to His pattern for this life. My needs are met in Him. My wants are met in Him. My hopes are met in Him.

Looking elsewhere for life is futile. We won’t find apart from Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…”

Have you drifted off course lately? Has your relationship with God been on the back burner? Does one day seem to slip into the next without much thought of God and His purposes?

Going our own way, whether passively or in active rebellion, is the essence of sin. In Christ, God has forgiven our sin, but there’s another step. Repentance. In Mark 1:15, Jesus said: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

To repent means “to change one’s mind.” Do you need to change your mind today?

God is full of grace, but remember that He’s also holy and righteous. We exist for His pleasure, not our own. Directing our own lives and living for ourselves is pride. James wrote, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Turn from the self-directed life. Turn back to God. Humble yourself before Him and experience more of His grace.