How often have we seen the promise of sunny days gets taken away by fog that drifts in and settles over the city. In the early days of recovery many of us live with hope and the great promise of "sunny days" ahead. Then, somehow, happy feelings of gratitude get overcome by guilt feelings that rob us of joy.
Yesterday we looked at feelings of guilt from wrong doing on our part and learned how to get these feelings removed by God’s forgiveness and cleansing. While we may be able to admit some of our shortcomings, there are often areas in each of our lives where we try to deny and excuse wrongs that we've done. As long as we continue to deny, minimize, or rationalize wrong behaviour, we will experience guilt that weighs us down and robs us of a life that is full and satisfying.
The Bible tells us, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8 NIV)
It's often easier for us to blame others, see the faults of others, and use that to excuse or rationalize our own behaviour. Jesus wants us to live free and so He invites us to reconsider this practice: "Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NLT)
King David learned this and said, "Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:5 NLT)
So, let's not let the fog of denial and guilt rob us of the joy of living today. Let's admit that, just like everyone else, we've done wrong. Let's take responsibility for the choices we’ve made and the actions we've done. Let's ask for and receive forgiveness from God and others and move back into the sunshine of a clear conscience.
Prayer: Loving God, Please take away the fear of truth about myself. Help me to reach out and embrace Your forgiveness and healing so that all my guilt can be removed. AMEN
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