Struggling Against the Current

We have all had moments when we’re extremely upset with ourselves. We have failed in some way — again! — and become swamped in feelings of worthlessness. Why try, we say to ourselves. We become convinced it’s all useless. The self loathing washes over like a swelling tide threatening to suck us into a sea of lost hope. Is there an escape from this undertow of despair?

Yes, but we must change our focus from the sin which besets us to our Savior Who saves us. We reside in a body that is imperfect; encased in a mind that is vulnerable to temptation. However, we are also sealed unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30 KJV). What does this mean? It means we cannot lose our salvation. We still sin in our imperfect bodies and minds, but when the day comes after physical death, we will be in the presence of Jesus, and He will present us faultless to His Father. This is reason for rejoicing, not self loathing.

Does this mean we are free to sin as we please? Oh no! Let’s read the whole of the verse in Ephesians 4:30, Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption (NKJV). When we sin, the Holy Spirit Who lives within us is greatly saddened. Why? Because we have soiled our holy garments which damages our inner joy and peace. The Holy Spirit longs for us to walk in the ways of Jesus because that brings great joy to us and great glory to Jesus. That’s why we have access to Holy Spirit power working within us, that we may shine like a bright light for others to see Jesus in us.

When we sin and cause the Holy Spirit to grieve on our behalf, He also pricks our consciences, urging us to repent. When we sin, it is repentance that brings us immediately back to full joy in Jesus. When we put off repenting, we are fighting the tides that seek to suck us into misery. Repentance allows us to break free, to stand on solid ground once again. Repentance reminds us of the beauty of forgiveness.

We all sin until we leave this earth to live eternally in Heaven where sin no longer exists. Until then, we all have a choice when we sin: fight the tides of self loathing and drown in self pity or repent and walk on in the power of the Holy Spirit, displaying our inner Jesus joy and peace that fills us with holy contentment, and with deep love for Jesus and our fellow man.

Are you fed up with your failures today? Then get out of the water of despondency, reach for the rope of repentance, and walk on in joy, peace and love once more.