I don’t know about you, but I seem to always get in the way of experiencing God’s forgiveness. I know the verses. I know that God forgives, gives peace, and His grace is given freely to me, but absorbing that into my psyche and living it out seems to be difficult to accept.
 I am troubled many times over things I have done in my past. Sometimes they haunt me in the early morning hours and I’m reminded about what a sinner I have been. I grieve as I look back over my life and remember that I chose my own path many times instead of what God wanted me to do. And yes, the tears sometimes flow down as I think of how I could have done this and how I could have avoided that.

 Maybe that is or is not your situation but I know with many of you, it is. You see all the mistakes of your life and fret over them. Sometimes it causes you to be very discouraged. I know. I’ve been there.

 Let me ask you a question: Do you think that it is God Who is trying to discourage you or make you sad? Do you think that when He suffered and died for the sins of us all that somehow He skipped forgiving you? Well, I’ve got good news for you. He did it for you too!

 Who do you think comes around and troubles you? Do you really think that God is a harsh old parent who will never let you forget the things you have done wrong or neglected in your life? Do you really think that God wants to get back at you and trouble you and make you sad? Well, I can clear that up for you: It is not God!

 You know who it is that troubles you and will not let you forget the past. It is that old deceptive snake from the pits of Hell who knows his time is short and he does not want you to ever experience the grace and forgiveness of God. 

 Here are some steps to recovery for you.  

1. Know your enemy. He is out to drag you down. He does not want you to be happy. He certainly does not want you to experience the grace of God.

2. Know yourself. I hate to break the news to you, but you are not perfect. More than that, you can never be perfect in this life. You have a sin nature that is not your friend. Yes, you were born with it. You did not birth it yourself, rather, you are saddled with it until the day you die or when Christ comes back and transforms your corruptible into incorruption.

3. Know Jesus as your Savior. If you have never placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, now is the time. Why? Because you cannot experience God’s goodness to you without becoming His child through the new birth. Make certain that you have walked through that door.

4. Know Who God is and what He wants for you. I’ll give you some clues.

 a. He wants the best for you.

 b. He wants fellowship with you, yes He does. With you because He loves you and wants you to know Him.

 c. He wants you to quit sinning. Just stop it. Don’t go there anymore.

 d. He wants you to know that you are forgiven and He has made you clean. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Live like it. Quit letting the devil convince you that you are not worthy to know peace and forgiveness. None of us are, but Christ is worthy and He took your punishment. He took your sins in His own body and nailed them ALL to the cross, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that were against you, condemning you and set you free to be what God wants you to be. Learn what that is through His word, prayer and patience.

 e. He gave you value. In our sinful condition, we were lost and without hope in this present world, but Christ gave you value. In fact, He is your value! You and the Lord Jesus together can be a light in this world that is so full of darkness.

 f. Recognize who you are in Christ. Accept freely what He has freely given you that you could not buy with money and enjoy every day because of His forgiveness, peace, and grace. Do not let one day go by where you are hung over with discouragement. Go with God and accept His grace for YOU!

God loves you and so do I. I want to leave you with a verse or two to ponder. Memorize them and hold them close to your heart of hearts. DO NOT let anything or anyone come between you and YOUR Savior. He will not only save you from your sins, but He will save you from yourself and your discouragement. He loves you and desires the best for you. Never doubt that. Rest peacefully knowing that He has justified you before God Almighty and you truly are free!!!

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.