Day 55: Don’t Let the Enemy Use Your Mistakes

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 40:11-17

Central Thought: When God forgives, He doesn’t keep reminding us of our mistakes

Have you ever noticed that when you’re disappointed in yourself, you can more easily slide into discouragement? When we sin or fear that we are failing, the enemy will quickly remind us of our past mistakes.

In our Scripture reading, David says, ‘Troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me” (verse 12, NIV).

Facing the great stress of trouble on all sides, David was acutely aware of his sins and failures. In fact, he felt overwhelmed by them.

Perhaps you feel the same way. You desperately need God’s help, but every time you try to pray, your sins and failures flood your mind and you feel more discouraged than before. Maybe, like David, you feel your sins exceed the number of hairs on your head.

Jesus knows every mistake you have made, and He wants to forgive you for each one. When the Holy Spirit convicts you of a sin, immediately ask God to forgive you. Then, when the enemy brings it to mind, thank God that He has forgiven you. Don’t let the enemy use your mistakes to discourage you.

Devotional Prayer: Father, please forgive us for our sins. When the enemy brings up past mistakes, help us to remember to praise You for Your forgiveness.

Today’s Bible Reading: Leviticus 15:1-16:28; Mark 7:1-23; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 10:13-14