(from Streams of Living Water for a Thirsty Soul)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
An emotional wilderness experience often brings with it condemnation, either from self or from our enemy, Satan. Satan’s condemning words say: “You are a failure. A Christian shouldn’t be in the wilderness.” Self-condemnation says: “I’m letting my family and others down. I’m no good for anything.”
If we allow these thoughts to occupy our minds, we can get to the place where we believe these condemnations are from God. In everything we hear, there’s condemnation. Soon we become confused and don’t know how to discern what word is from God.
There is a difference in self or Satan’s condemnation and conviction from God through the Holy Spirit. When it’s self or Satan’s condemnation, we feel pressed down and guilt-ridden, and that we can never change. Life seems hopeless and continues to look dark. But when God convicts us, we hear a focus on the problem or act, accompanied by a sense of His love. We know that we can be different. There is no condemnation, only light and hope.
When we’re in the wilderness and feel condemnation, let’s remember that condemnation doesn’t come from God, so we don’t have to accept it. We can have confidence that if there’s something in our lives that needs changing, God will show is in a way that includes hope and a knowing that He loves us and will lead us to wholeness.
PRAYER: Lord God, enable me to reject the condemnation that is causing darkness in my soul, and to trust You to show me what needs changing. Thank You for Your love.
Related verses: Isaiah 50:9; John 3: 16-18, 5:24; Romans 8:33-39
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