Have you ever felt like your whole purpose in life as a Christian is to always aim for doing the "right thing" and avoiding His wrath? Have you found it hard to truly grasp the hope and joy we've heard so much about (Nehemiah 8:10) but seem to rarely experience? We definitely need to find a good balance between "this is what I should be doing" and realizing the joy we have in Christ.
Do you ever think you are obligated to feel guilty about getting any pleasure at all from anything that isn't "spiritual"? Like, if you're not sharing the gospel with every breath that somehow you're "doing it wrong."
Let me encourage you that a balance CAN be had. We can't feel joy if we are constantly beating ourselves up for our failings—real or perceived. But at the same time, we can't grow spiritually unless we are aware of the things we need to change in order to grow closer to God and follow His plan for our lives. Life isn't going to be all roses, but it doesn't have to be all darkness either. Christ as made us new creations, and we get as many chances to "do better" as we need.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." —2 Corinthians 5:17
Life is a day-by-day thing. Every minute in our existence should be taken on a case-by-case basis and examined with grace and forgiveness for ourselves. There's no blanket way to deal with everything and anything. While the Bible is our best Handbook for Being Human, what it isn't is simply a list of dos and don'ts.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." —2 Timothy 3:16-17
Yes, God's Word provides principles, and those principles apply differently to various situations in our lives, depending on any number of different factors. It's at once much simpler and yet so complicated for us to fully understand. We want rules. We want something that says "Yes, do this" and "No, don't do that."
The Bible is so much more than black and white, and life is so much more nuanced and colorful than we assume. Think about it: If it were all too simple, would you still find the Bible believable? The truth is that life is messy and inexact and always varied and that every person has their own story and set of circumstances. And God knows that. Remember, Jesus became a human and understands the human experience (Hebrews 4:15).
No blanket rules could possibly apply to everyone in every situation at every time. Becoming familiar with God's Word can help us develop our spiritual discernment and personal convictions, which will help us when we're faced with decisions and temptations.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." —1 John 1:9
When you're feeling like you can't do anything right, talk to God (1 Peter 5:7). He's not waiting around to punish you for making mistakes. He knows you intimately, and He is fully aware of your unique situation. Turn your heart toward Him, and the Holy Spirit will guide you in the ways that are right and good for your life (Proverbs 3:6; John 16:13).
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." —Lamentations 3:21-23
When your heart truly seeks God's will, you can be sure you're doing it "right." Embrace the moments when you feel God's joy and remember them as markers along the journey, for true joy can only come from God (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." —Proverbs 3:5-6
We can't feel joy if we are constantly beating ourselves up for our failings—real or perceived. But at the same time, we can't grow spiritually unless we are aware of the things we need to change in order to grow closer to God and follow His plan for our lives. Life isn't going to be all roses, but it doesn't have to be all darkness either. Christ as made us new creations, and we get as many chances to "do better" as we need (1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Becoming familiar with God's Word can help us develop our spiritual discernment and personal convictions, which will help us when we're faced with decisions and temptations. When your heart truly seeks God's will, you can be sure you're doing it "right." Embrace the moments when you feel God's joy and remember them as markers along the journey, for true joy can only come from God (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
