Regrets. We all live with plenty of them. There are regrets over harsh words spoken, good deeds left undone, poor decisions and choices made. But, no matter what our regrets are, I'll dare say they are not as great as that of a man I know about. The weight of guilt over murder and adultery must have been considerable, but "confession is good for the soul". The healing that his recorded confession brought to him personally is available to help with our healing over sin and guilt as well.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:10-12)
There is wisdom in getting to the real core of the problem. It's one thing to ask for forgiveness for a particular sin and the ensuing guilt, but the real solution is seeking a "clean heart" that is not inclined to repeat the offense. Seeking a "steadfast spirit" is desiring to return to the rock-solid spiritual moorings that had safeguarded against such sins previously. And desiring the presence of the LORD through His Holy Spirit, and the joy of salvation, are pro-active measures to safeguard against the practice of sin.
One of the great tragedies in life is that of Christian men and women wallowing in the guilt that results from regrettable sins and decisions. Rather than being able to find release through confession and forgiveness, they live on in a state of spiritual and emotional captivity. These godly people bear the wounds of sin, and allow the taunts of the evil one to minimize their growth and potential. What a tragedy! Has anyone committed "worse" sins than King David, who found release and renewal through sincere confession and repentance? Definitely not.
Many acts of sin result in ongoing consequences. The child born out of wedlock is a lasting legacy. The pain and loss resulting from the death of a loved one leaves a wound that cannot ever fully heal. Family disruption through divorce leaves visible scars. But, guilt over deeds that cannot be undone only adds needless pain. True emotional and spiritual release can result through genuine repentance, and abundant forgiveness. "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities" (Psalm 103:10)
Are past deeds and actions crippling your growth and progress today? If so, determine that today is the day to fully face and confess the past, and find the sweet release and peace that God's grace so abundantly brings.
Steve
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:10-12)
There is wisdom in getting to the real core of the problem. It's one thing to ask for forgiveness for a particular sin and the ensuing guilt, but the real solution is seeking a "clean heart" that is not inclined to repeat the offense. Seeking a "steadfast spirit" is desiring to return to the rock-solid spiritual moorings that had safeguarded against such sins previously. And desiring the presence of the LORD through His Holy Spirit, and the joy of salvation, are pro-active measures to safeguard against the practice of sin.
One of the great tragedies in life is that of Christian men and women wallowing in the guilt that results from regrettable sins and decisions. Rather than being able to find release through confession and forgiveness, they live on in a state of spiritual and emotional captivity. These godly people bear the wounds of sin, and allow the taunts of the evil one to minimize their growth and potential. What a tragedy! Has anyone committed "worse" sins than King David, who found release and renewal through sincere confession and repentance? Definitely not.
Many acts of sin result in ongoing consequences. The child born out of wedlock is a lasting legacy. The pain and loss resulting from the death of a loved one leaves a wound that cannot ever fully heal. Family disruption through divorce leaves visible scars. But, guilt over deeds that cannot be undone only adds needless pain. True emotional and spiritual release can result through genuine repentance, and abundant forgiveness. "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities" (Psalm 103:10)
Are past deeds and actions crippling your growth and progress today? If so, determine that today is the day to fully face and confess the past, and find the sweet release and peace that God's grace so abundantly brings.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:40 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home