5 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

“Dear…” Series: Many of us put on a brave face or wear a mask to hide our internal struggles with: guilt, fear, comparison, unworthiness, regret, unforgiveness, rejection, anger, and grief. The “Dear…” series is dedicated to shedding light, hope, and freedom on these internal battles that we often face alone. BUT, we are not alone! Because of Jesus, we can win our battles and find freedom.

Dear Guilt,

God has shown me who and what you really are. You are an instigator and you have played your part beautifully. 

Your presence tries to lead me down two distinct paths: 

1. The path of unworthiness that you lay by bringing up my past mistakes, never lets me forget nor receive forgiveness for what I’ve done. The feelings you spark within me keep me remembering who I was apart from Christ. You lie and tell me that God could never love me because of what I’ve done. 
2. The path of overpromising my time, attention, and talents so that I become overscheduled and overwhelmed. The feelings you spark within me keep me saying “yes” to lesser things. You lie and tell me that I’m not a good Christian if I don’t say yes to every person or every opportunity.  

Guilt, you are a terrible master to serve. You never let me have a moment’s rest from the feeling that I am not enough. You constantly tell me that I should be better, do better, and try harder. Ultimately you say that I am unworthy. 

Guilt, you are a liar and God has changed my heart and mind concerning you. 

I Confess: 

You have controlled my decision making and my thought life for far too long. I confess that it is I that gave you access to seize control, but now I see you for what you really are: 

• a liar that tries to overshadow who I am now in Christ by replaying who I was before Christ 
• a self-focused heart bent on controlling the image of how others see me 
• an actor that loves to play the victim by making it appear as though there is no choice in the matter 

Luke 10: 38-42 “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

I Repent: 

I no longer feel compelled by the emotion you evoke because now I go to God first to seek His wisdom and discernment concerning WHO I am and WHAT I should do. 

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

I Cast Off:

Guilt, in the name of Jesus, I rebuke you. Guilt, you are no longer my master that drives my identity and decisions and you will no longer stir craziness or unworthiness in my mind. 

Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

I Bless: 

God has shown me how I am a new creation in Jesus. The old has gone and the new is here. He created me to love and serve, AND He also created me to rest. God allows me to take breaks from my labor so that I can spend uninterrupted time with Him in order to be filled with His peace. 

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

So guilt, by the time you read this blog post…know that I have laid you and your mental torment at the foot of the cross. I am free of you. 

I am worthy of freedom and rest and I will find these in my God. 

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Release Guilt.

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

~  Romans 12:2 

Theme Song: 

Lauren Daigle - You Say (Lyrics)

References Used:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Bible Verses About Guilt: 

Luke 10: 38-42 “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”