Psalm 38:4-11; 18; 21-22
My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. 5 My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. 6 I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. 7 My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. 8 I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. 9 All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. 10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. 11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away…18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin… 21 O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. 22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.

1. Understand the difference between conviction and condemnation.

Conviction is feeling guilty about present sin.

John 16:7-8
…I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment…

Condemnation is guilt over past sin.

2. Keep perspective – you are not perfect!

Romans 3:23
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

3. Stop comparing yourself to others.

4. To forgive yourself, quit the “if onlys”.

5. Don’t cover up.

6. Confess your sin.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

7. Remember – consequences are not God’s judgment.

8. Don’t waste your mistake.

9. Memorize Scripture.

Psalm 34:22
The Lord redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 3:23-24
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

10. Accept God’s forgiveness.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.