Overcoming GuiltSample

Introduction

For good reason, many of us have a hard time taking people at their word. Without a signed contract we struggle to trust that people will keep their promises. This is often the case because broken promises erode trust. Thankfully, we need not doubt God’s promises for “God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises” (Numbers 23:29 CEV). Today’s Scripture challenges us to rely on God’s promise to forgive us of our sins when we confess them to God.  

Pray

God, I struggle to believe that my misdeeds have been forgiven and I do not have to live with guilt. Help me rely on your promises. 

Read

The writer of this letter gives us the prerequisite to receiving forgiveness ... confession.

1 John 1:9

Reflect

The word, “if” at the beginning of a sentence denotes a condition for the fulfillment of what follows the word. While it is true that God is a promise-keeper who is willing to forgive our wrongdoing, we have a responsibility to first acknowledge our sin and then seek forgiveness. IF we do that, then we are guaranteed what we ask.

Respond

Ponder the first and second stanza of John Newton’s 1779 hymn “Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat” and make it a prayer.

Approach, my soul, the mercy seat,

Where Jesus answers prayer;

There humbly fall before his feet,

For none can perish there.

Thy promise is my only plea;

With this I venture nigh;

Thou callest burdened souls to thee,

And such, O Lord am I.