Why do we hold on to the past – experiences that have caused us great pain and suffering? Know this, the past may have shaped you, but it doesn’t define you. You can learn to let go of the past and move forward into the future God has planned for you. That’s the message Nehemiah and Ezra communicated to the people of Israel after they completed the wall and heard the reading of the Scriptures.
The people wept over how far they had walked away from God. Yes, the Word brings conviction. Ezra, a teacher of the law, and Nehemiah, the governor, told them to move past their guilt and shame and accept the forgiveness of God. They weren’t giving the people permission to sin. Instead, they were redirecting the people’s attention: Stop focusing on how bad we are, and start focusing now on how great God is. Nothing could erase the past; but with repentant hearts, it was time to move on.
We are all broken. Like the Jewish people, we have fallen short of God’s standard and rebelled against Him. The good news for every believer is that Jesus made it possible to move past our guilt, shame and grief. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
We may not feel forgiven immediately, but we are. When Jesus forgives us, we are truly forgiven. Once we’ve confessed our sin to Jesus and repented, it’s time to stop grieving, embrace His love and move forward in His purpose for us. When
General feelings of worthlessness and shame are not the same as conviction, and these feelings are not from God. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When we trust that Jesus’ payment was enough, we receive abundant and everlasting grace.
Jesus really does love and forgive us. To be a difference maker, we must operate in Jesus’ strength, choosing His grace over our shame.
What shame and guilt are you carrying today? Surrender to Jesus, confess your sin,accept forgiveness and embrace His joy and move on. Remember: :The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Read: Nehemiah 8
