Stuck in the Past

Stuck in the Past

Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves (V.5).

Genesis 45:1-15

Reading

Thinking about the stuff we’ve done wrong can really affect our Christian lives. We all have those moments when we remember the look on our friend’s face when we said something mean. But as Christians, we don’t need to wallow in those moments and get stuck in guilt.

When Joseph made himself known to his brothers (who had sold him into slavery years before) they were speechless and “terrified at his presence” (GEN. 45:3). Guilt and fear reminded them of the pain they had caused their father Jacob and their brother Joseph. Realising this, Joseph immediately told them: “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (V.5).

When we have hurt others, we may find ourselves feeling just like Joseph’s brothers. But if we have said sorry to God, we can know for sure that we have been forgiven. We don’t need to put up with nagging guilt and self-blame.

The Bible tells us to be “made new in the attitude of [our] minds” (EPH. 4:23). We must focus our thinking on Jesus our Saviour, not on mistakes we have made. We need to concentrate on what He has done—His sacrifice on the cross for our sins—not on what we have done. Because He has forgiven our sin, we can learn to ‘forget’ it and move forward.

What I’m thankful for…

Thank You, Jesus, for paying for all my sin on the cross. Thank You that You have taken away all my sin and shame. Please help me to focus on what You have done for me whenever I am feeling guilty.

GUILT IS A BURDEN GOD NEVER MEANT FOR US TO CARRY.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries