We are sometimes slow to go to God for forgiveness. We carry our guilt around for days, weeks, or even longer before dealing with our sin. Why do we wait so long?

Some of us may feel that going to God immediately makes forgiveness cheap. Others may consider it arrogant to expect God to forgive.

In Isaiah 30:18-19, the Lord told stubborn, unrepentant Israel that He was waiting to be gracious to them. He promised that the moment He heard their cry He would be merciful and answer them.

God's eagerness to forgive sin became most clear through Christ's suffering on the cross. His death was sufficient to pay the penalty for sin so He could offer forgiveness to everyone in the whole world (1 Jn. 2:2). Therefore, we can "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). The word boldly means "confidently, not arrogantly; freely, not cheaply." The phrase in time of need means "without delay."

Are you in need of forgiveness? God is waiting for you to receive it. If you'll repent and come boldly to Him without delay, He won't keep you waiting. At the sound of your voice, He'll be very gracious to you.  — Joanie Yoder