“One of the greatest challenges to our faith, even among those of us, unlike David, who live beyond the death and resurrection of Christ, is that the waves of our past mistakes or wrong choices often wash up on the shores of our souls when things go wrong.”- Sheila Walsh
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”- John 19:30 (NIV)
Sheila Walsh concludes Chapter 4 of Holding On as she observes that many of us know in our heads that Christ forgives us. Yet sometimes that truth seems too good to be true. Thus, in that set of scales in our minds, our mistakes seem to outweigh the forgiveness of Jesus. As a result, we often feel we’re getting what we deserve.
However, Sheila stresses, the Greek word used in John 14:30 for ‘finished’ = tetelestai. In addition, this word has been found written across the papyrus of ancient tax documents. It literally means ‘paid in full.’
So, when burdened with the weight of your wrong choices, do you echo the words of Psalm 55:7-8 (The Message)? They read:
“I want a walk in the country, I want a cabin in the woods. I’m desperate for a change from rage and stormy weather.”
But, in the quiet of where David rested, he remembered God’s promise. Thus, the tone of Psalm 55 changes in the second half of the psalm. Instead of looking around, David looked up. And everything changed when he remembered God’s promises as well as who God is. Even though things looked hopeless, David kept his eyes fixed on God.
Sheila explains:
“There are situations where we feel betrayed and wounded, and the temptation is to try to fix things ourselves. We get to choose. We can trust our own ability to untangle a mess, to fight our own battles, or we can hide ourselves in the shadow of the Almighty. . . . take our fear to our Father.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures help us deal with the waves of our past mistakes? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Sinful and flawed – loved and accepted”
