HIS HEART WAS FILLED WITH PAIN      By  Synthia Esther   The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain - Genesis 6:5-6.   Pain is a common occurence in life. In fact, one cannot live life without feeling pain. The death of a child, the birth of another, both hold pain in hand, as we are each born dying. The fact that God can and does feel pain is comforting to me. For who would want a father who couldn't relate to his child's grief. Knowing God grieves is in reality knowing He understands and relates to our problems, insecurities, sorrow, and pain.   Most of my life I viewed my circumstances from my own limited and personal perspective, never realizing how my attitude may effect God. I began to reflect on the past sins I committed that grieved God. The brief moments I allowed myself to think on the many mistakes I have made, my mind was prompted by the Holy Spirit to recall the scripture verse in Isaiah 1:18. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."   All past sin is forgiven by God the moment we ask and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and friend. Like wise, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness - 1st John 1:9. To live a life that pleases God requires a life that is dedicated to God.   In Psalm 63:1, David conveys a genuine longing for our heavenly Father, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you."   When a person seeks after God's own heart, they strive to avoid sin and its desturctive consequences. God knows our sin, but He also knows our heart, remaining ever faithful to forgive. May I live my life to seek His will, proclaim His purpose, and forgive others as He has forgiven me.             COPYRIGHT - 2008, SYNTHIA ESTHER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.