I’m always amazed when I read the word and see psychological/health principles vividly displayed. Many think the word of God irrelevant, and yet more and more, current brain and psychological studies reveal what the Bible has been saying all along, specifically in this discussion: For happiness and health, we need forgiveness. Internalizing our fears and guilty feelings creates havoc in our minds and bodies.
Let me show you what I mean:
I discussed in the past couple of posts how Ps 32:1-2 points out a way to HAPPINESS, and that is to live in a perpetual state of a clean slate which is only obtained by believing at a deep heart level that God has already forgiven you. It is NOT by trying to always be good! Further, because God holds nothing against you, you need not hold anything back from Him.
Feeling guilty carries with it the fear of punishment, and we do all kinds of things to avoid that… blame-shifting, denial, aggressive attacks.
On the other hand, some people accept all forms of guilt… they feel responsible for everything that happens, take the blame for it all, and subconsicously harbor a belief they deserve punishment, and the circumstances of their lives reflect that. Read any basic Psy 101 course and this dynamic is sure to be examined.
Now venting, blaming others, and punishing others for the guilt we feel inside is not a healthy response. But neither is internalizing it so your body gets bombarded with a steady stream of harmful chemicals triggered by persistent negative thoughts.
Listen what David says in Ps 32:3:
When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long.
Keeping our negative thoughts inside and not dealing with them in a healthy manner affects our minds and bodies in severe ways.
As a former neurotically guilty person, feeling responsible for everyone and everything, here’s what I have learned to do:
Tell God all about it.
I write daily letters to Him and when I need to, I share my deepest, darkest secrets and feelings. I share my screwiest ideas, my stupidest questions, my greatest fears, and silliest offenses.
And guess what? I not only have not been zapped, but also I feel and see His smile.
He’s never forsaken me. He, instead, sticks close to me, enlightens me, clears up my confusion, and reassures me that He loves and yes, even favors me!! I need not grovel because He is the Lifter of my head!
If you don’t have that kind of intimacy with Him… ask Him for it and try it out! He will meet you, if you let Him!
To your good mental, emotional, and physiological health!
