Psalm 32:1-7
Guilt comes from a feeling of responsibility for some
wrongdoing. Conviction can result from the Holy Spirit’s efforts to turn us
away from sin and guide us to our heavenly Father. But not all guilt stems from
ungodly actions.
False guilt, which is not prompted by sin, can surface for a
variety of reasons, such as disappointment in one’s own performance, a sense of
shame over past events, or criticism from others for unmet expectations.
Rejection or a pattern of abuse from childhood can also trigger this emotion.
False guilt is a powerful weapon the enemy uses to direct our thoughts away
from the Lord.
Whether false or real, the emotion of guilt divides our
mind, drains our energy, and creates a sense of insecurity. If we allow it to
linger, we can start to have doubts about God’s goodness and love for us.
Depression and hopelessness may follow. To cope, some people develop compulsive
behaviors in an attempt to replace self-reproach with something pleasurable.
Excessive amounts of food, television, internet, shopping, and exercise are
common ways people try to push away self-condemning thoughts.
Addressing guilt quickly is important. Acknowledge the
emotion to the Lord, and identify the reason behind it. If you’ve violated
God’s law, ask His forgiveness, and take steps to change the behavior. If you
discover false guilt, confess it and ask God to adjust your thinking to match
His. In either case, praise Him because He doesn’t want His children carrying
unnecessary burdens and has promised to forgive our sins.
Thought for today:
Can I recognize my desire to sin and stop the thought before I engage in the
action? If not, can I seek forgiveness with the same haste I engaged in the
behavior once I recognize it as sin?
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