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Listen while you read: "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus"1
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I've been thinking and reading a lot about forgiveness recently. I guess the older that we get, the more that we realize how many mistakes that we've committed, foolish choices that we've made, and careless words that we've said, and end up regretting ill-chosen paths, deeds, or conversations. I know that Christ forgives me, but I honestly struggle with forgiving myself. I can't seem to let go of the past, so I carry it with me and end up with more than a few sleepless nights.
I don't want to become a victim of my past mistakes or to be held hostage by my stupidity, but neither do I want to be continually wishing that things were different or reflecting where I would be if I had followed another path. I want to live with what's left of my life without being under a shadow of gloom and despondency. I want to enjoy whatever is in front of me without constantly living backwards. I guess that I want to follow C.S. Lewis's advice of running onwards and upwards as I prepare to meet Christ face-to-face.
I think that the psalmist experienced something similar, especially when he wrote these amazing words:
Psalm 103:10 – [The Lord] does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (NIV)
These words give me hope and release me from being vexed about my sins. Through Christ, I am totally forgiven, so there is a lot of room to forgive myself.
Perhaps, you are going through something similar, and maybe, you are feeling the same things. I hope that you will also realize that God's grace is greater than anything that you've foolishly done, and that Christ's love is larger than any regret that you still hold.
Point to ponder: What do I need to let go from the past, so that I can move forward with God into the future?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything, so there's nothing that we can hide from You. You could punish us with that knowledge, but instead, You save us from our worst selves. Thank You for Your complete compassion and godly grace. In Your holy name, we humbly and gratefully pray. Amen.
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About the author:
John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Amen, John.
Thank you for your message. My life exactly.
Amen, John. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Thanks John, this does touch on my life also. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you for this reminder. I don’t know if Scotsmen are more inclined in this way, but we do seem to brood a lot.
Dear John Stuart, thank you for the reminder that God’s grace is greater than the foolish things I’ve done, as I often have similar feelings.
Once again, Great words of Wisdom!
Thank you and Kind Regards,
(ON)
Well said, John. I want to be able to reflect without being overcome with remorse or regret. Forgiving myself is one of the most challenging tasks of the faithful life.
Thank you for your devotional very timely as satan is working overtime to remind us of our past.
(Ontario)
Been there…done that! Sometimes turning it over to the Lord isn’t easy.
Blessings,
(Ontario)
Thank you very much for this exhortation which is just what I needed right now for continuing my thoughts and prayers about asking for forgiveness from certain people in my family. God bless you in continuing your very helpful meditations!
Thank you, Pastor, your devotional was so helpful and inspirational for me this morning. No matter how much I pray and study God’s word, I still am plagued with vivid reminders of my past mistakes.
Thank you.
Thank you, John, for another of your mindful devotionals. We really need be very grateful that our Lord is so forgiving of our misdeeds and mistakes. He is the one that knows when we get on the wrong path and is willing to take us back into the fold and for that deserves our thanks, our apologies and our faith to stay true to His direction. Blessings for your special writings.
Brother John. What an honest and thoughtful and Spirit lead message. I too, at times, let these dark thoughts try to take hold of me but through my walk with the Lord, which leads me to scripture and fellowship with other Christians and Christian podcast and such, I am reminded of His teachings and promises. Bless you for this wonderful reminder.
Thank you for sharing what must be common thoughts we all have as we age and for reminding me of God’s assurance of pardon. I too like C. S. Lewis’s rendition of how to move forward in life. I was born in Scotland not far from your place of birth I believe. We emigrated to Canada many years ago. I always enjoy reading your words of wisdom! Have a good day.
Good morning, John.
Amazing how we do this to ourselves. Thank God only He can give us the assurance we are forgiven. Sometimes when the past comes to mind, I thank the devil for reminding just how far I have come and how good my life is with Jesus. That usually keeps him quiet for quite awhile.
God bless.
A timely and appropriate devotional, dear Pastor John Stuart, because I have so many regrets in my life and I wish so much that I could have done or not done, said or not said things differently. I wish I could go back and give the people I have hurt a hug and tell them I am sorry.
If only time travel was possible, I would definitely sign up.
Take care and may God forgive us all.
(Ontario)
Good morning, John,
Definitely my thoughts have become more reflective as I get older and have more free time. I wonder why it is hard for us to forgive ourselves even when we know that God has forgiven us. Why are we harder on ourselves than we are on others.
God wants us to move “onwards and upwards” as we travel our faith journey. It takes effort to forgive ourselves and others, but it also gives us freedom to be more like Jesus which is our mission here on earth.
Thanks for sharing and helping us to move another step forward. Blessings.
John,
I’ve been working on this very same theme lately. This is taking me a long time. In my soul searching, I keep finding more layers to unpeel. It’s not merely what I did wrong. Quite the contrary: it’s the sin of trying to be good, trusting in my successes and abilities, wanting to control destiny so it works in my favour .. , and ultimately resisting God’s mercy.
I call this “A work in progress” – and it gets more exciting all the time. That’s because it keeps taking me deeper into God’s love.
So, keep on keeping on. You are moving forward with God into the future. That’s music to my ears!
(Canada)
Right on John!
Thank you.
Blessings.
John,
How do you do it?
Everything you say in your devotionals speaks to me. Two in a row, awesome!
I constantly carry the past around with me and struggle to believe God can forgive me for all the stupid or critical things I have said in my life. Many sleepless nights pondering my shortcomings.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Everything you write is meaningful and a huge blessing to me and I am sure many others.
You have a great ministry, please don’t ever give up!
Blessings.
Thank you, John, for being so transparent. You are not alone! It’s hard to let go of our past.
Dear John,
Thank you for sharing your story “Treating Yourself” on the PresbyCan Daily Devotionals.
I hear you. I have been down that road too and I think we can never really leave the past behind. When we are young, we don’t always realize some of our actions in thought, word, or deed are sinful. I guess, when we’re older (and wiser) we look back and recognize our errors and pray for that forgiveness. Like you, I have prayed deeply to God through Jesus Christ for forgiveness; and felt the lift of my sins.
Know that you are forgiven and let it go.
For the sake of your spiritual and mental health, I hope you find the courage to forgive yourself and let it go. When we are forgiven, we are put on a new path and Jesus will light the way. Stay on that path.
Amen.
Blessings,
(ON)