Guilty as Charged

Psalm 103: 11-14 “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame (how we are formed); he remembers that we are dust.” (ESV) 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is go to bed. Some days, the whispers of the accuser become overwhelming. The accusations contain too much truth to just ignore. Some nights, your own inadequacy will be overwhelming. It will eat into your soul. On those nights, the best thing might just be to go to bed. Quit thrashing about, searching for answers like a toddler fighting sleep. Lay those accusations at the feet of the Savior Whose wounds cleanse us. Find rest. Let the Spirit fight for you. Let the Father’s gentle arms surround you and rock you into sweet slumber, just like a little child. Tomorrow, get up, wipe off the dust, and try again. 

Do you struggle with guilt? Let me tell you a well-kept secret: we all struggle with guilt. That perfectly put-together friend? Yup. Your mom? Definitely. Your neighbor who has the perfect home? Yes. It seems that no matter how hard we try, we can never measure up to the standard of perfection that we have idealized. 

There is only one person who has lived a perfect life, Jesus. Even though He lived a perfect life, He still let people down. He disappointed them. There were many who didn’t understand how His life was fulfilling God’s great plan. Jesus knows what it is like to be misunderstood. Even though He never sinned, He knows what it is like to be tempted and to suffer. 

So when the guilt is weighing you down, remember that you are loved by Jesus. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” (CSB). Jesus is not holding that blame over your head, scolding you for not living up to your own or someone else’s standard of perfection. He isn’t disappointed in you. He offers you His grace and mercy. You are not a disappointment. You are His treasure. He knows. He understands. 

In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, has several times in his journey through life to the Celestial City when he is bogged down or trapped in a dungeon due to doubt, discouragement or guilt. Although at times, he is stuck in these places for a long time, he is always offered a way out through faith in God’s promises. If you feel trapped by guilt right now, remember God’s promises. Lay down your guilt and shame. Cling to the hope we have in Jesus. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)