2009-02-23 - What Will People Say?

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)

Can people tell? What will God do to me? How will I not fall into temptation, the next time I am in the same situation?

At times, I can be my worst critic. I punish myself with my thoughts and words. I open the door and let guilt, shame, rationalization, and depression in - when normally they would be considered unwanted guests.

How do I forgive myself, when I am at fault? How can I stop replaying the actions in my mind, even though I can't take back the past? Holding onto this pain is unnecessary, for God's power can't fully move until I forgive myself. It helped to know that God is not the one reminding me of my past indiscretions and haunting decisions. For the regret doesn't have to control me anymore, since my sin and I are under God's grace. Now I can begin to live in peace again.

Lord, I want to experience being a whole person, a forgiven person. Let this be more than words uttered in a prayer but a lifestyle. A lifestyle where I can live in the present and not in the past, for I know You don't see the past in me anymore. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://postapraise.com

The author welcomes comments or questions on this devotional article.