Debilitating Guilt

Pure, clean, fresh water is essential for all life. Humans, animals, plants, and trees cannot survive without it. Stagnant water is just the opposite. Water becomes stagnant when it does not move, flow, or drain but rather sits in place for months, years, or sometimes forever. Over time the stagnant water breeds bacteria and develops a nasty film and a foul smell. Stagnant water is not only undrinkable but in many cases toxic.

Guilt is like the stagnant water of life. When you live in guilt, it consumes every part of you and debilitates you to the point that you can no longer move in any direction with your life, let alone forward. Guilt breaks you down and covers you with shame and regret which breeds self-loathing. The worst part is not only do you become “useless” to the people and the world around you, but you become toxic. Even though you are feeling guilty about whatever has happened or whatever you have done, when you allow guilt to consume you, and allow shame and regret to overwhelm you, and self-loathing to dictate your life, soon enough the horrible stench of anger will set in. Anger that if left to its own devices, knows no boundaries, has no limits, and places you right back into the murky waters of guilt, then shame, regret, self-loathing, then the vicious life-consuming cycle begins again.

The most difficult part about getting over guilt is that you feel guilty for not feeling guilty. It’s not an easy cycle to break, and one that requires maintenance. Although it is not easy, it is possible through repentance, prayer, and reading and applying the principles found in the Bible which is the Word of God. When you come to God with a humble and sincere heart, He is waiting with open arms to forgive you, and help you. The Bible is more than just words; it is a place where you can find truth, hope, the promises of God, direction for your life, peace, love, Salvation, and so much more. Be rest assured that once you are able to move past guilt, you deal with shame and regret, and you learn to love yourself, the anger will subside. God loves you more than you know, and you can live in peace, contentment, and even joy.

Proverbs 14:29

James 1:19-20

Jeremiah 29:11

John 3:17

2 Timothy 3:15-16

1 John 1:9

Romans 8:1

Romans 5:1