Now, no condemnation.

Read 1 Peter 2:21-23, Luke 6:35-36, and Phil. 2:5-8.

I have struggled of late with thoughts about a decision I have made, whether it was the right decision in God’s eyes. “While it was not a wrong decision to make from a scriptural perspective, I made the decision not fully assured that God was the one prompting me to take this particular life path,” I reasoned, “so, was the decision I made sin to me (Rom. 14:23)?” After all, I had earlier asked God to reveal His will to me which, upon first glance, appeared to be headed in a different direction; was I now following my own will instead of His because I felt strongly that I needed to make it, making Him displeased with me? Or was it in His will for my heart to change from my original plan?

Upon further prayer and reflection in the Word, I came to remember God’s abiding love that covers my sins. All of them—the ones I know clearly are sins and the ones I just guess could be. Christ’s blood covers them all. As to receiving punishment for them, "Jesus forgives, never retaliates. His battle is against the unseen forces of evil, not the blind people who carry it out" (Abide app, "Called to Radical Love"). I remembered I can trust that I am forgiven and rest in His radical love when my conscience condemns me (1 John 3:19-20). The Accuser may be ever present, but God is more powerful.

I remembered that, since I belong to and am led by the loving Good Shepherd, I need fear no ill, for He is with me (Psalm 23). About John 10: 11-13, it was said, “Jesus does not have a response to shame. ‘Perfect love casts out fear.’ He does not turn his back to shame, but goes right to it and meets it. He puts his Hand on our shame, and comforts us with the sound of His voice. When we scatter in fear, He gathers us up again” (Circle of Hope, Daily Prayer::Water blog).

I am happy I can trust my Good Shepherd! I can trust both His correction (rod) and His guidance and protection (staff). He asks only that I abide in Him. He tells us not to fear, little lambs that we are, because God the Father is pleased to share the Kingdom of Heaven with us (Luke 12:32). So join me in resting our hearts upon His precious promises, casting all cares, fears, and worries on Him.