It’s a funny thing, but all my life I have experienced a pervasive feeling of guilt. It’s not the kind of guilt that you feel when you do something you know is wrong or that hurts someone you care about – although I’ve experienced that kind of guilt often. No, this pervasive feeling of guilt results from having something that someone I love doesn’t have. And it’s not just about money or material things, it’s about peace and joy and freedom from fear and strife, about being given opportunities in life, and about being saved and knowing the love of Christ.

I have been weighed down by the struggles of some of my family members lately. I so long for them to know the peace and joy and love and sense of purpose that I have in Christ. After praying forthem this morning, I asked my Heavenly Father what He wanted to say to me today. I wasn’t expecting Him to speak to the issues I was praying about, I just like to sit quietly and let Him speak to me sometimes. And as I did, I heard these words:

“Daughter, you worry about things you cannot conrol. Give those things over to Me. Although you may not be able to see what I am doing at this point in time, I am working in the lives of your family members and I hear your prayers for them. Keep praying, but stop worrying. Give them over to Me. Let Me have My way in their lives, and do not despair.

“My dear, I see your heart. Rest in Me. You can have peace and joy in your relationshiip with Me even when those you love are struggling and can’t find their way. You have always felt guilty because you’ve been rescued and they have not, but the best way for you to help them to find their way to Me – the best legacy you can leave for them – is to live in the full manifestation of My Spirit. To receive the glorious inheritance that is yours in Christ. And to walk out your destiny in Christ, accomplishing the great things I have planned for you since the beginning of time. Live in the freedom you have received because of the sacrifice of My Son. Rejoice! Be at peace! Share the good news, and do not be afraid. This is how you will bless your family, this is how you will lead them and teach them: Live the abundant life that My Son died to give you!”

After writing down those words, I closed my eyes and raised my hands in worship and saw an image of myself, hands and head raised, gleaming and covered in gold, as though I’d been gilded. I heard my Poppa say to me: “As you worship Me, as you rest in Me and rejoice – laying aside all guilt and worry – you shine with the glory of God.”

I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 3:18 which says: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

An object that has been covered in gold is described as “gilt”. And as I lay aside my worries and behold my Lord in all His glory – and rejoice! – my guilt is exchanged for His gilt and I shine with the light of His glory. Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:15) And so as I live in the freedom and peace and joy that He has given me, I become a beacon of His light for those who are struggling to find their way.

I know it sounds trite and cliche, but it’s true: GOD IS GOOD. He knows our innermost parts and if we turn to Him, He will bless and encourage us because He loves us and has a plan for each one of our lives. And God is funny! He has a sense of humour and loves a play on words. My guilt for His gilt. Ha! Thank You, Poppa, I receive it.

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”  Psalm 34:8