The film Noah’s Arc: The Noah Snyder Documentary tells the story of Noah Snyder and his unique journey from growing up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to establishing a professional surfing career. As my son and I watched it, we were moved by both the stellar surfing and the deep truths found in the story. It was inspiring to see Noah and several of his childhood friends mature from mere thrill-seekers to young men embracing purpose, responsibility, and a relationship with God.

“The Lord repaired my heart,” one of Noah’s friends proclaimed, prompting me to consider the transformation that takes place when we receive Jesus as our Savior. God’s promise to all mankind is that He will never “reject a broken and repentant heart” (Psalm 51:17). Whether we’re catching a wave or sitting in a prison cell, when we “confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9).

Let’s take a look at three verses found within Romans 5:5-11 to further understand God’s design for giving us a new heart:

• “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners” (Romans 5:6).

• “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).

• By Jesus’ blood we can be saved, “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (Romans 5:11).

When we bring our broken and unfulfilled hearts to God in repentance and belief, we can know the joy found in experiencing fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3-4). The hope found in Jesus “will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:5).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 2:41-52