No one lives too many years without regretting things they have done.  We can shrug off some of our mistakes… but others weigh heavy on our hearts.  Then there are some that visit us at night… on our beds… when everything is quiet.  These are things we haven’t told anyone… even those we are closest to.  They are too embarrassing.  We’re afraid that IF they knew, the relationship would never be the same.  The guilt of our faults and mistakes haunt us like an Edger Allen Poe horror story.

Maybe I’m the only one who has to deal with regrets and guilt… not only for the past… but also in relation to the present.  If you don’t struggle from time to time… Click HereIf you do struggle, keep reading and consider the following suggestions for dealing with guilt.  These are all based on being a believer in God through Jesus Christ…

First… When you are feeling guilty, remember the truth of 1 John 3:20, “Whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything.”

Second… When you are feeling guilty, remember the truth of Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Third… When you are feeling guilty, remember the truth of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”

Fourth… When you are feeling guilty, pray Psalm 25: 7, 11 to God, “Remember not the sins of my youthor my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me… 11 For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.”

Fifth… When you are feeling guilty, remember the truth of 1 John 2:1, “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Last… When you are feeling guilty, remember the truth of Romans 8:33-35, 37-39,“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that… 39 (Nothing)… in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The antidote for guilt is God’s Truth… Scripture… The Word.  Read these passages often.  Reflect upon God’s truth.  Push His truths deep into your heart.  Make a conscious choice to believe God OVER what your emotions tell you.  Oh… there is one more thing.  This thought pulls everything together and is found in James 4:7-8…

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.