Two Words to Speak on Your Worst Days

Yesterday I really blew it with my kids.

I was cranky and irritable. Between yelling, I prayed, “Lord, help me get my attitude turned around.” But it didn’t happen.

By the time I dropped the kids off at VBS (small mercies!) I felt like the worst mom ever. As I drove home that familiar voice of shame began inciting me to beat myself up. But then I remembered two little words that changed everything.

But Jesus . . .

Those words stopped the guilt and shame beat down and ushered in peace. Yes, I failed my kids and God.

But Jesus . . .

Jesus bore the guilt and shame of my sin.

Jesus already forgave me.

Jesus lived a perfect life in my place.

How much time do I spend thinking about about all my shortcomings? Do you do this too? This kind of obsession with sin makes us forget the whole point of Jesus.

When I obsess about trying to live a perfect life and rehearse all the ways I don’t measure up, I miss precious opportunities to remember what Jesus has done on my behalf.

Sin consciousness robs us of the joy and peace of remembering that we have a Savior.

When I hatch endless self-improvement plans I take my eyes off the ways my failures have already been provided for.

But Jesus . . .

Jesus died for my sins.

He purchased my peace.

Jesus paid the highest price so I wouldn’t have to dress in the rags of shame.

He eagerly welcomes me back into His arms after I fail.

Jesus still loves me, and He still loves you, too.