There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 NIV)

Really?  Because I feel condemnation all the time.  I am not good enough. I fail. I screw up. I am selfish, willful, petty, uncontrolled, petulant, uncaring, grumpy, reclusive, controlling, critical, judgmental, prideful, gluttonous.  And then I am paralyzed by guilt, remorse, shame, embarrassment.

And Satan claps his hands:  he “gets” me with my sins, he “keeps me” with the guilt.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Really.  I must face the reality of my imperfections and accept them, but at the same time know that no matter what I have done, and what I will do, I am not condemned. I am not held hostage to ongoing guilt, pervading doom, defeat, anger, resentment, worry.  I do not have to–I am not supposed to–live in such an environment.

Being in Christ Jesus is having the power and the courage to face my sins every day, and receive forgiveness for them. Every day. It is the easiest and the hardest thing.

“I can do it myself”  The biggest most difficult sin I have to face—every day—is that I think I can do a better job of directing my life than God can.  There is a two year old in my head stomping her foot  declaring “I can do it myself.”  I am convinced that my way will make me happy, bring me joy.

• How many times do I have to fall down and scrape my knee before I willingly reach up and grab his big comforting hand–always extended–and choose to hang on?

As many times as it takes.

• How much longer will he extend His hand to me? How long  before he grows tired of my petulance and rebelliousness? My disrespect? My not believing that he truly does love me, and will lead me and take care of me if I let him?

Until I die. That is how long his hand remains extended.  That’s how much time I have.

• Am I really going to waste whatever time I have been given by insisting on my own flawed way?  Am I really going to miss out on joy in this life, and in even having a life after death, because of my willfulness?

I hope not.

Once I start to get this, I stop.  Turn around. And run into his arms. There is no condemnation there. Only love, and His delight that I am there with Him.

In Christ Jesus, I can relax and truly begin to live.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2  NIV)