Conquer the Guilt of Sin

"We need not climb up into heaven to see whether our sins are forgiven: let us look into our hearts, and see if we can forgive others. If we can, we need not doubt but God as forgiven us."  - Thomas Watson

Guilt can gnaw away at us from the inside out if we let it. Merriam-Webster describes guilt as: a feeling of deserving blame for offenses. If left unchecked, it can grow to such extremes that our lives become virtually paralyzed by it; turning us into fearful, insecure, and depressed individuals.

David, too, grappled with feelings of guilt. For almost an entire year, his life had been permeated with the pain of guilt. Though he was capable of doing many things, he couldn't suppress the mental image of his sin.

Eventually, the day arrived when David, the guilty king of Israel, was confronted by Nathan (a court prophet) with the truth of his actions. If you recall, David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his military men.

In an attempt to cover his sin, he ordered Uriah's death by having him sent to the front lines of battle and then left behind as the rest of the men withdrew. Thus the man called "a man after God's own heart" was exposed (Acts 13:22).

The guilt resulting from the death of Uriah, by his own orders, literally ate David up. He sought forgiveness from God for his despicable actions. Psalm 51 is David's emotional prayer to God for forgiveness.

We, too, can learn how to conquer guilt by examining the psalm. The first impulse, when guilt strikes, is to run from God, as David did for a year. But guilt is never overcome or removed until sin is admitted. The apostle John stresses this in 1 John 1:9.

Next, to defeat guilt, it is extremely important that you ask God for forgiveness. It is safe to say that our greatest need is for forgiveness. David was guilty of sinning against: Bathsheba, Uriah, the child born to Bathsheba as a result of their sin, and the people of Israel (Psalm 51:3-4).

Since all sin is ultimately against God, only He can forgive. Only he can offer: forgiveness that blots out sin (Colossians 2:13-14); forgiveness that washes sin thoroughly away (Psalm 51:2); and forgiveness that cleanses completely.

Asking for God's forgiveness implies that we will accept it and forgive ourselves. God has promised to forgive; so let's take him up on it! And lastly, in order to conquer guilt, you must put God's will first in your life (Psalm 51:12-13).

By doing this, we please God, point others to Him, and praise Him. We don't have to let the guilt of sin rule our lives. God is offering us a way to overcome it through His forgiveness. Pray to God for forgiveness and let Him help you crush guilt.

Scripture: Romans 8:1; Luke 15:7; Hebrews 4:15; Proverbs 10:12; Psalm 32:5

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for the wrongs that I have done, the things that I've neglected; for those I have hurt along the way, and whom I have failed to love as You love. For all of these and more, I ask for Your forgiveness, amen.

May your day be blessed!

Blake