I keep a devotional journal and as I was paging through past entries I came across one that I felt should be shared. It has been an encouragement to me and I hope, by God's grace, that it can encourage someone else too.
10-28-07
I experience cycles of sin at times. It goes like this: sin/guilt/shame/more sin/more guilt/more shame. The cycle never seems to end. It feels at times like I'm caught in an emotional and spiritual whirl-pool! Then, while brushing my teeth, I was reminded of this verse:
" But if we confess our sins to Him, He can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins." I John 1:9
I knew that it was best to confess sin as soon as I realized I did it but then I began to worry that maybe God might be fed up with me confessing sins I can't seem to overcome. I kept feeling like He was going to punish me for not having victory over all my sins, or at least the ones I really struggle with. But even as I wrestled with this thought another one came to mind:
" Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud." I Corinthians 13:4
I always believed this verse only spoke about how Christians should act. But then I made the connection that these love attributes were actually part of God's character. It seems so obvious to me now but it was a revelation at the time.
So even though I still sin at times, I desire not to. I want to change. And now when I fail I am quicker to confess not just my sin but the guilt and shame I experience too.
I know that God is kind and patient with me in this struggle. He knows my human nature is twisted in its desires and He knows how and when to change me. I'm just glad He is helping me.
End of entry.
The following is a video I spent time to make. I hope it encourages someone today. We are not alone in this struggle against sin. It is the bane of every Christian's existence. But through Christ we already have the victory! Amen.
4 comments:
Hello sincerity. I am honored to have you visit my blog. Your video creation in beautiful
Hi Sincerity,
Just visiting via your comment on Amrita's blog; my wife and I are long time fans of hers.
I'm glad to see you've kept a journal for a while now. Your Oct., '07, entry mirrors an entry I made in mine earlier this morning. I've kept a daily (more or less) journal for over 30 years and I understand how going back to read something you've written in the past, helps meet your challenges today.
John Cowart
Nice to meet you ......... thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for the words of encouragement......
Have a blessed weekend........
Amrita: Thank you for visiting and thank you for the kind compliment! :)
John: Welcome. Yes, keeping a journal has been a great tool that God is using to help me along in my relationship with Him. I'm excited to hear that others are doing this as well!
Denise: You're very welcome. Like I said before, you are in my thoughts. Blessings right back at ya. :)
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