Sheep are helpless creatures. They have no defense mechanism against predators. Their only defense is to watch that no animal is stalking them, following them. As a human with a sinful nature and a flawed free will, you are helpless like a sheep against that prowling lion, the devil. He stalks you, follows you, to kill and destroy. 

One of the most effective ways the devil attacks Christians is with guilt. When you look in your past, when you remember that awful act, that sexual sin, that eruptive anger, that intentional lie, that anger-filled exchange, guilt follows. Guilt consumes. Guilt crushes. Guilt wins. When you look in your past, you feel guilty, terrible, worthless.

Guilty means you are liable for punishment. The judge slams the gavel declaring, “Guilty!” That means the person will be punished. But Jesus was punished in your place! Jesus paid the price. Jesus erased your past. There is no reason to look in your past and feel guilty; instead, look in your past and see grace! See the goodness and love of Jesus. 

So often Christians are haunted by their past. Don’t be. You’re not a failure; you’re forgiven! That truth is the final promise God gives to you in Psalm 23: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (verse 6). Guilt doesn’t follow you. Your past is gone. Goodness and love follow you, so live in confidence. Jesus’ mercy is with you. Always. Forever.