Are you tired of all the judgment out there? Or worse yet, are you your worst prosecutor? It’s ironic that a society that pushes inclusion down our throat is much more judgemental than past generations. We can’t say a word without worrying if it will be taken the wrong way. Who can we turn to?
Psalm 32:1-2, 5-6 “Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, who sin is put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt. Finally, I confess to all my sins to you and stop trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the Lord. And you forgave me. All my guilt is gone. Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time. That they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. For you are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble, you surround me with songs of victory.”
In God’s eyes, David was forgiven and restored to godliness after repenting. Yes, God forgave and restored David even though he committed grievous crimes that caused turmoil in the nation he had been entrusted to reign over.
It’s easy to accept that God forgives us becaue of His great love for us, even when we have deliberately sinned and lived in rebellion. When we turn to Him, we find comfort in knowing His forgiveness is always available. After all, He sent His Son to die for our sins. By repenting and receiving His forgiveness, we are granted a fresh start. Our sins are no longer remembered by Him.
Yet, forgiving ourselves can be much harder. We often hold ourselves to a higher standard than God does, replaying our past mistakes and judging ourselves harshly.
The weight of self-condemnation can feel like being submerged, as if millstones are tied around our necks, pulling us deeper into the mire of guilt and shame.
Sometimes, this struggle stems from the hurt we’ve caused others. Even after making amends—offering restitution, seeking forgiveness, and truly repenting—we may still feel burdened by guilt.
So, what can we do? We must remember that God is our refuge. When judgment—whether from ourselves or others—presses against us, we can run to Him for shelter. He not only provides safety but also gathers us close, singing songs of victory and deliverance over us.
©2025 Katherine Walden
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