July 19 – Guilty Fear (Leviticus 26:14-17)

“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”(Proverbs 28:1)

IN WORD:
Saul was relentless in his hatred for David. David demonstrated on numerous occasions that he meant no harm to Saul and would wait patiently for God’s plan, whatever it might be. But Saul was disturbed by an ungodly, jealous fear. He thought David’s popularity was his greatest threat. He wanted to maintain his throne, whether it was God’s will or not. And he would use any treacherous means to do it.
Those who have an evil disposition toward others are often imprisoned by their paranoia. It hounds them relentlessly wherever they go. They make the mistake of thinking that others are as manipulative and ill-willed as they are, and that assumption keeps them in constant fear of everyone. There is no rest for them, only flight. A guilty conscience has no peace.
Those who are pure in heart, however, have nothing to fear. They assume the goodwill of others because they have it in themselves. They trust the power of God to protect and establish them because they have seen His power at work within their own hearts. They are not worried about the judgment of God because they know His righteousness, and they are not worried about the judgments of men because they know God’s love. A clear conscience is always at peace, and it feels the power of the Almighty.

IN DEED:
Much of the anxiety we feel is the product of a restless guilt deep within. We don’t trust God because we’re convinced we have failed Him. Our conscience will not let us rest. And we cannot trust anyone else, either. We are jumpy and paranoid, ready to flee. We are sure our sins, however large or small, will find us out.
What is the remedy? The cleansing that comes from the One we flee. He pursues us, but not for vengeance. It’s for redemption. He wants to replace our guilty conscience with a heart at peace. Trust Him. Let Him make you bold before Him. His righteousness is freely offered to you.

“A guilty mind can be eased by nothing but repentance.”
-Benjamin Whichcote-