Matthew 11: 28-30 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

PSALM 32: 1-5

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty. 3 When I refused to confess my sin my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. 

Psalm, 103: 10-13

He does not punish us for all our sins;  he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

PSALM 32: 1-2

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty.

"Focus on the solution of Christ, not the problem of shame."

“Some days are better than others but God, every day, is greater than my shame.”

Ice Breaker: What aren’t you looking forward to? What are you looking forward to?

Read Psalm 103: 10-13

What do you take away from this, and how can you implement these scriptures into your life?

“Some of us deal with ourselves more harshly than the God of the universe deals with us.” What do you think about this statement? Are you extra hard on yourself?

Read Psalm 32: 3

Sin that is unresolved leads to mental and physical deterioration. Is there anything unresolved in your life? (Sin comes in the form of unforgiveness as well. Not forgiving is a way to bring a heavy burden into your life as well.)

The effects of lingering unforgiveness towards self include: Self-hatred/rejection, reoccurring thoughts, isolation, and shame. Are you experiencing any of these in any way?

Read Psalm 32: 1-2

David starts with the solution of Jesus. He begins by saying that it is a joy for those who have been forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight. When you pray, do you find yourself starting with Jesus first, or do you find yourself coming to God more out of guilt/shame? (Remember, you are already loved and accepted. You do not have to feel shame and guilt in the presence of God. Repent and know that He loves you.)

It’s hard to deal with our past because Satan wants to use it to hold us down, where God wants to use it as a growing moment. God wants to use your story to bring others to Him. How do you believe God is going to use your story/past for His glory?

Pray for each other and uplift one another. If there is something that needs to be cleared from your past, give it to God and share it with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Know that God loves you and sent Jesus to give you a fresh start. Amen.

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