What a horrific lie that we are to get right before coming to God, that our shortcomings are sufficient to drive a divide between us and an Almighty God. It is a lie from the pits of hell! While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! There is no height, depth, power, or principality that can separate us from the love of God! No matter the magnitude of the transgression, the Father of the prodigal runs to the wayward son with open arms! How the Lord delights when His imagebearers desire Him and His nearness! In the arms of the Father is where we shed our burdens, where the weary find rest, where the drowning are lifted from the mire! He is the Great Physician! In His arms we are made whole! Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come! How gracious, merciful, and loving is our God! May we run to Him with every supplication. Amen.