Full disclosure: This post contains relatively explicit references to fecal material.. Sorry, not sorry.

“But God sent his son… to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons/daughters. And because you are sons/daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7.

When I was a little kid, somewhere between potty training and being able to handle my business all by myself, there was a period in my life when I didn’t know how to wipe my backside. So, when I was finished going number 2 I would call out from the toilet, “Daaaad, I’m done!” Which was his cue to come in and clean up my butt. Why did my dad do this? Because he loves me and knew that I was at a point in life where if I tried to do it myself there would be literally be poop everywhere. (Thanks, Dad!!) And for me, I called to my dad in confidence. I knew he would come in and help me out. I knew he wasn’t going to yell at me or shame me for not knowing how to wipe myself. This is the confidence I want to have when I cry out to Abba, Father.

I know there are people who are struggling with sin and really feel the shame and guilt that comes with it. You might feel dirty and think, “I need to clean myself up before coming to God.” So you try to wipe yourself, get yourself clean all on your own, not realizing that you are just making a bigger mess. “God proves His own love for us in this way, while we were still sinners Christ dies for us!” Romans 5:8. When we were at our worst, our messiest, covered in the stink of sin, Christ died to forgive us of our sins. Not only that, when we turn to Him in faith we receive an adoption into God’s family. I know my dad loves me, but he is not perfect and his love can never match the love from my heavenly Father. So, if my dad was willing to hear me, come to me, and clean me up when I was covered in poop, how much more will God the Father? He is truly the only one capable of cleaning up our sins. Stop trying to fix yourself by your own strength. You aren’t strong enough. Don’t be afraid of calling out to God in the midst of your messiness. God delights in you and loves when you call to him. Even in your brokenness and messiness. If you are in Christ, you are God’s child. He will not leave you, shame you, or abandon you, even if you feel like there is no way he can still love you.. He does. He proved it when Jesus died for you.

So my prayer is very similar to  what it was as a child. “Dad, Abba, Father. I’m done. I’m done with this mess I’m in. I’m done trying to clean myself. Abba, wash away my guilt and cleanse my from my sin. Create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Thank you,  Jesus for dying for me even though I’m a sinner. And thank you for adopting me into your family. Remind me always that my identity is in you and I am not defined by the mess I might find myself in. Amen!