The Mess I Make… and a Brighter Future

What a Mess

Dear Jesus,

I’ve made a mess of things. I’ve said and done things without seeking Your will. Now I’ve made everything so much worse. The situation was not mine; it was hers to work through. My intentions were good, Jesus. I stepped in wanting to help, but I went about it all wrong. I betrayed her confidence, shared her secret, and brought someone else into a private situation. I gave advice that was unsolicited, unwanted, and wrong. Now I am suffering from a broken relationship and a guilty conscience. Jesus, I have asked her for forgiveness, and now I ask for Yours. Please forgive me for not turning to You for guidance. Forgive me for barging into a situation that was private between You and her. Forgive me for thinking that I knew how to help better than You. Please, Jesus, take this sin and guilt away from me. And thank You for forgiving me.

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. — Isaiah 1:18

It’s so important to talk to God about solving a problem before you dive in. Acting impulsively — even with good intentions — can lead to a mess. But mercy and forgiveness are wonderful parts of God’s grace. When you’ve done something wrong, run to Him instead of away from Him. Is there something you need to be forgiven for? Psalm 51 is David’s plea for forgiveness. How does it echo your own needs?

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Brighter Future

Dear Jesus,

It’s so easy to let myself be haunted by the past. Old memories of not-so-good times swirl around in my mind. Why is it so hard to let go? I have forgiven past transgressions, but I haven’t forgotten. Perhaps I never will. Lord, help me at least to set them aside and not dwell on them.

You’ve forgiven my sins, and You want me to forgive the sins of others. I think I’ve done that, but the pain remains. I still hurt. Heal me, Lord. I want to let go. Instead of being consumed by a hurtful past, I want to focus on a brighter future.

Today, I will turn my thoughts toward You and what lies ahead. And whenever the past rises up to haunt me, I will send it away with thoughts of Your good plans for me. Jesus, open the door to my future today. Hold my hand, and help me to walk through the door with You.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting whatis behind and straining toward what is ahead. — Philippians 3:13

Yesterday’s pain serves only to dim Christ’s light today. Give past hurts to Him, and allow His light to shine brightly in your heart. Ask Jesus to heal your wounds and set you on the path to an abundant future. Read Romans 5:3-5. How might God be using past hurts to shape you for His abundant life? What signs of that abundant life do you see blooming in your life today?

Excerpted with permission from Jesus, I Need You copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Lord, thank You for forgiving us of our sins, the harm we’ve done to others, the ways we’ve missed the mark and failed to be Christlike. Help us to relate carefully and prayerfully to honor those You love. We need You. And when old stories of shame come whispering at us again, help us to remember that You came to bring us life and life to the full! Help us to lay down our hurts and receive the good You have planned for us. Come share your thoughts on our blog. We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily