HE KNOWS...AND HE STILL LOVES
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:19-20
Theme: When we feel condemned, look to God for affirmation, reassurance, or conviction. He will lead us to Truth.
REFRAMING
There are people I am close to who regularly deal with depression, plus I have casually encouraged many more. Over time I have learned I cannot “jolly” them into feeling better. I cannot change their very real emotions. The only thing I can do is try to make clear truths or perspectives they cannot see. If they feel someone we all just conversed with is angry with them, I can share that I did not sense any irritation. If they are consumed by a conflict, I can remind them that God has their back and He will fight their battles. I can remind them there is no need to strategize, and though it feels illogical, they should pursue peace. If they feel unloved—even by God, I can state the Truth of the God’s Word: He is for you; He loves You, and He gave Himself up for you.
Feelings are real, but they are not always true. Reframing them as feelings, not fact, can be helpful.
CONVICTION VS. CONDEMNATION
Our emotions can be much tougher on us than God is! The devil can manipulate our memories and our regrets, making us feel guilty. Does that mean we are guilty? Not necessarily. God always loves us; He always affirms us as His children and reassures us of our eternal salvation. If we are actively sinning or hanging on to something He has asked us to put out of our lives, His Holy Spirit may be convicting us of that sin. It is specific, not a vague sense of being useless, an awful person, or irredeemable. It is a direct challenge to let go of that one thing that is keeping us from obeying God.
Once you figure out that you are hearing from God’s Holy Spirit, gently leading you to repentance, just do it! You may feel you are giving up something great, but nothing is more precious than a right relationship with Jesus.
On the other hand, if the devil wants to get us sidelined, he reminds us of all the ways in which we have messed up in the past. He does not let us remember that we have confessed and turned away from these things, nor that we have been forgiven. It is an oppressive, dark cloud where we feel shame, not the light or warmth of God’s love.
PARTICULAR REGRETS
If you can see the truth that you are feeling guilt over past sins—sins which you have confessed and put out of your life, let it go! It is a trick of the devil. Of course, you may repeat that same sin again and need to confess, but just the fact that you sinned in the past is not reason enough to feel a vague sense of guiltiness.
There are some regrets that pop up in our minds – and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. I have a few regrets that repeatedly come to my awareness. I have repented. I have never done it again. I have no desire to go back into that sin. So I must claim the promise found in 1 John 1:9 (ESV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When my traitorous emotions tell me that God cannot possibly have forgiven and forgotten (because I certainly can’t), then I recite this verse: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12, ESV). My human mind can never forget, but an Almighty God chooses to and is able to do so.
Make It Personal: Are you constantly feeling sinful, worthless, unlovable, or unredeemable? Search your heart. Write down any nagging sins or regrets (even if you have prayed and asked forgiveness before). Use a code or a date if you are ashamed to write them out fully. Then pray about each one. Confess and repent. Now, write today’s date on that paper! Write “FORGIVEN” at the top! Keep it as a reminder or burn it in a candle, but do not let your emotions tell you that you have not confessed or that you are still guilty. You are free!
Pray: Lord God, thank You that You are greater than my condemning heart and emotions. You see my past; You see my current sin; You see my need for a Savior. You love me, forgive me, and encourage me to draw close to Your throne and lay down my guilt and receive mercy. Help me to daily walk in that fresh, clean feeling of Your grace. Give me discernment: am I out of step with the Spirit or am I listening to lies from the enemy? Help me to swiftly return to You if convicted, then put off condemnation and walk boldly forth as a child of the Living God. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.
Read: Psalm 139:1-7, 23-24; 51:1-4, 7-12
Weekly Memory Verse: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12, ESV