Overcoming GuiltParaugs

  

Introduction

We tend to categorize our misdeeds ranging from the ‘white lie’ to the ‘unforgivable deed’.  And depending on where our wrongdoing falls, we decide whether we should be granted reprieve from God or others we have offended. In today’s reading, God appeals to his special people to turn away from their horrible offenses and turn to him. He assures them that the stain of their misdeeds is not too great to be wiped out. 

Pray

God, as I consider my wrongs, I often feel that they are too grievous to be forgiven. Help me trust that you are able and willing to forgive my wrongs and remove my guilt.

Read

The Lord speaks to his people, inviting them to a sort of fireside talk about their wrongdoing.

Isaiah 1:18

Reflect

The book of Isaiah gets its name from the prophet Isaiah through whom God spoke to his people to practice justice and right living. Sadly, the people often disobeyed God and found themselves in need of God’s mercy to save them from the repercussions of their misdeeds. In this opening chapter, God makes a clear case against them. Their wrongdoing cannot be denied. But in a dramatic turn God offers them a clean slate, despite all their sin. 

Respond

Do you feel as though the wrongs you’ve done have stained your life forever? Do you think they are too “red,” too horrible to be forgiven? Listen to today’s reading two or three times. Imagine the LORD inviting you into dialogue with him about your sin and his offer to remove the stains that cause you to carry guilt and even shame. Ask God to do as he said to his people and “wash you as clean as snow” (GNT).