Guilt

Do you ever wonder why the person who cuts corners gets the promotion? Why one with no scruples lands the deal? Why do the promiscuous ones get the engagement ring? Why do the wicked ones prosper? The psalmist wondered the same thing.

There are some things I can’t erase from my memory. Hurtful words and actions against me or those I love are seared into my conscience. I don’t want to remember these things or feel the emotion that goes with remembering. I can’t recall what I had for lunch yesterday, but I can relive the painful interaction with a teacher, coach, boss, or friend that took place decades ago. I have worked to forgive, but I still can’t forget. That’s what makes today’s passage so amazing to me.

What some of the most powerful men in the world are unable to do, God does…every day. Today’s passage, written to believers, reminds us of God’s amazing grace. When we come to him in confession (sorrowful for our sin), he forgives us and wipes away the mess from our hearts. When we acknowledge our sin, he will forgive us every time.

So, you want a fresh start but don’t think you deserve one? You feel unworthy to be a follower of Jesus. You wonder why he would want you on his team. You are ashamed of your past. You have a history of messes. You feel the heavy weight of guilt for the hurt you have caused. Well, let me introduce you to the apostle Paul and offer you a fresh start.

When an angel appears, you can bet that something amazing is going to happen! The amazing certainly took place when the angel Gabriel told Zechariah that he would be having a son. For Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, that dream had died long ago. In fact, because of Zechariah’s unbelief, he was unable to speak a word until his son was born. Then, he broke out in a song of praise about the one who would prepare the way for Jesus.

Sin sits heavy on the soul. Our failures never wander far from our minds. With the memory…comes the guilt. Sin keeps us chained to shame and regret. And as long as we keep silent, we stay…tethered. That’s what David experienced.

He gives us the invitation to help others take off their grave clothes of guilt, unworthiness, legalism, pride, and baggage of the past—what a tremendous privilege. Jesus raises the dead and then lets us set the new believer free!

Repentance is more than lip service.

Ask God to give you a new Spirit-empowered desire to follow hard after Jesus.