GUILT AND/OR FEAR CAN STEAL OUR JOY

GUILT AND/OR FEAR CAN STEAL OUR JOY

***GUILT***

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”
(Jude 1:21)

MEDITATION:
Guilt follows the footsteps of mankind. It gnaws; it growls;
it eats away at the joy God intends for us. Is there no peace
from guilt? Will the ghosts of our guilt always lurk nearby?
Not with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and the
healing power of our Lord in us!

The devil is the prosecuting attorney who is going to point
his bony finger of accusation at you. But the Holy Spirit is
not the accuser. He is the Convictor. In love, He convicts to
lead us to confession. Then we can confidently come to God
and ask for cleansing.

ACTION:
No psychologist or psychiatrist can take away guilt. Only
Christ Jesus can do that. Read the story of the adulterous
woman in John 8:1-11. Praise God for His loving kindness
and generous mercy!

***FEAR***

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your
right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
(Isaiah 41:13)

MEDITATION:
A pastor once had the rare opportunity of visiting with
Corrie Ten Boom. He drank in her words; he listened
and kept his mouth shut. One of her statements went
straight to his heart:
    “There is no panic in heaven, only plans.”

That is how God operates — no panic. The Holy Trinity
never meets in an emergency session. God has never
stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His
right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding
for you, His child.

ACTION:
Refuse to listen to Satan’s lies of fear, discouragement,
and despair. You are a victor, and God is in control!
Repeat the following throughout the day today,
    “God is in control of my life. He will not leave me.
      His right hand will sustain me all the length of my days.”

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power over guilt
and fear. Thank You for how Your Word reminds me of
Your love, forgiveness, and protection. I pray that I will
live closer to you each day so that I can experience the
joy You will bring into my life. Guide me in distancing
myself from temptations and encourage me in my efforts
to be more obedient to You.”

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