Guilt

There are different kinds of guilt.

There is guilt that I prefer to call conviction, that comes from sinful words or actions. Thankfully through Jesus, we can confess our sin and be forgiven.

Then there is the guilt we take on ourselves ... or that the enemy whispers in our ears.

“You’re not enough.”

“You should do more.”

“You should have said more.”

“You should have said less.”

I think guilt can be the most debilitating feeling to carry. It discourages us, and can freeze us in our tracks. We are so self-focused on what we can’t do, or did or didn’t do, that we become unaware of God’s power and grace in the situation.

This is where I found myself this week.

I caught a cold. The usual cough, runny nose, sore throat. Nothing too serious.

But it could be for my 98-year-old dad, if he caught it. So I’ve stayed clear of him until I recover.

But Dad is used to me coming over to see him each day at breakfast. We visit, I get him his Ensure drink, give him a shave, etc. He is a guy that likes routine. So he doesn’t like it when I don’t show up. In the past, if I missed a day or two, he let me know about it when I came back.

My husband and daughter have been checking on Dad. He lives at assisted living, so there are caregivers watching out for him also. So why was I feeling so guilty?

If I went to see him and made him sick, that would be bad. So the loving thing is to stay away until I’m better. Right??

And yet those nagging thoughts ...

“The caregivers won’t remember to give him his Ensure drink”

“They might forget to make sure his hearing aids are turned on.”

“Dad gets more confused when I’m not there.”

And the list goes on and on in my head.

But where do those thoughts come from?

Does the Lord condemn me? I don’t think so.

I pray and ask the Lord to cover and care for my Dad when I can’t be there. Also, that I will recover soon.

I need to change my focus.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble. Whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

The guilt is not from God.

Focus on the truth, and what things are praiseworthy.

The truth today is ... Dad is safe, I am recovering, and I will get to visit him soon.

Also, God loves him and can cover and protect him when I’m not able.

Blessings on you and Yours!