God's antidote

 Friday, January 2, 2026 (6:19 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You.

I was caught in a loop of sadness yesterday. Regret from past grudge holding took its toll. Replaying my own selfish, self-centered behavior drove me deeper into feelings of guilt and shame.

(7:12 a.m.)

Thank You that I get to bring even this to You. Father, I confess to having felt guilty for feeling such deeply seated remorse.

Thank You for a clearer head this morning. One that is willing to sit with You. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) for Your antidote for the regrets I carry.

Thank You for the opportunity of reading about healthier approaches to shame. Evidently I am not the only one who attempts to hide from You when feeling ashamed of myself. See also Adam and Eve in the Garden!

(7:28 a.m.)

Oh look at this! I’m smiling. Not just on my face. Deep in my heart and soul as well. There’s even the desire to get up and move about. Thank You, thank You God!

Reading about Your antidote for guilt and shame reminds me that we are to run TO You with our guilt and shame. NOT away! “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong” (1 John 1:9).

Thank You God for Your loving heart. Your will. Your way. Your plan. Your forgiveness. And grace. Let me not squander them. Use me exactly as You know is best.

I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You for Your patience with Your ever erring children. Of which I truly am one. Thank You for loving and forgiving us of our sins. Do all You must in teaching us to love as You would have us love (Mark 12:30-31; I Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 1:9).

Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(316 words ~ 7:50 a.m.)