“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” – Job 42:5, 6  

Scripture reading: Job 42:1-6

Saints in the Bible often showed their repentance by pouring ashes and dust on their heads. They were symbolically saying they felt consumed and buried by their sins. It was not a lame repentance like, “If I have offended you, I’m sorry.” They did not equivocate. Job, too, was genuine.

God showed him how little he knew and how his complaints against God were groundless. For sure, Job was a godly man. He had knowledge of the truth, but his knowledge was limited. He could not understand how God would allow a man who loved him to suffer so much. He did not allow for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in his life as God saw fit. So he grumbled. And that was a serious sin. Yet, his godliness came out even more when he confessed his sins in a clear and unequivocal way.

One recent US president claimed to be a Christian, but said he did not repent because he did not sin. How foolish! Let God’s Word and God’s Spirit show you your sins. Everyone sins! But what wonderful hope Christians have! You have an Advocate with the Father and He paid the full price for your sins.

And don’t forget, real repentance requires a godly sorrow for sins, a hating of your sins, a forsaking of your sins, and a turning and living a godly life before God.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that you will be a person of God’s Word and understand His will and that you will be quick to sincerely confess your sins.

Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.