"But when he came to himself, he said... I will arise and go to my father" (Luke 15:17-18)
On the note of fervent and burning love for the Lord many started out the Christian life; but somewhere along the line 'the light got dim' due to such things as cares of this world, crave for riches, pleasures of life and lust of other things.
Many in this state of waning fervency have resorted to self-condemnation and are wallowing in guilt which has led them deeper and deeper into sin.
In such a situation as this, the FIRST THING you must realize is that GOD DOES NOT FEEL THE WAY YOU FEEL.The love of God does not fluctuate with the attitude of men.Even when you are faithless, He still remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself. You are the one that is feeling guilty, God is not condemning you... He sure doesn't like your sin but yet He is not condemning you (Rom.8:1).
Harboring guilt and self-condemnation in your heart thinking you could impress God by so doing is nothing but self-righteousness and that wont get you anywhere.
You will do well to study the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).
One of the reason the New testament is far better than the old is because the new replaces human's sense of guilt with a strong sense of boldness and righteousness through faith in Christ (Heb. 9:6-9; 10:1-4,18-22).
Hence, it is not enough to feel bad about your backsliding state; you must 'arise' like the prodigal son did and turn back to the father. Even if you think you have blown many opportunities, yet He has not given up on you; that great mission is still Possible, that purpose can still be accomplished, that dream can still come to reality, you can still write those books, you can still compose those songs, you can still reach the world, you are still needed for the expansion of His Kingdom - YOU STILL MATTER TO GOD! ...to be continued subsequently
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