What does it mean to be human? For one thing, it means that we will and do make plenty of mistakes. Many Christians are very hard on themselves when they make a mistake and think that God must be angry with them because they don’t measure up. They become burdened with guilt when they fall short of anything less than perfect. But if we really think about it, is that the kind of life Jesus gave his life up for? For us to feel constantly afraid to mess up and riddled with shame and guilt when we do? No way. He died so that we could be free and live an abundant life.
Does this mean we can live as we please and not worry about Him or what He thinks? Of course not. We are to follow the path of righteousness. But sometimes on a path, just like any other journey, there can be missteps, pitfalls, distractions, and setbacks. We may lose our sense of direction for a bit, but when we have God ‘s Word (our map and compass) close by and on hand, we will never travel too far off the path because we have the tools we need to help us stay on course.
The next time you mess up, don’t begin to hate yourself and think that God is now out to get you and smite you with lightening. He doesn’t work that way. He loves you and cares for you. All you have to do is tell Him you’re sorry for getting sidetracked and off the path for a bit, and ask Him to help you not do it again. Trust He will bring you back to where you need to be, and then keep moving forward stronger and wiser.
God, sometimes I feel like I constantly let You down and that You are getting tired of me and all the mistakes I make. Help me remember that You love me despite my faults and failures. Please pick me up when I fall and show me they way to go.
Micah 4:2 – “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of Adonai, to the house of the God of Jacob! He will teach us about His ways, and we will walk in His paths.”
Simple Prayer For Today 