Are you looking back on your day feeling discouraged by something left undone? Did distractions or other people keep you from completing something you feel the Lord wanted finished? If so, what will you do about it?

Your first step will probably be to take it to the Lord and ask His forgiveness. Isn't it a treat to have a Father who can forgive all our shortcomings? But, after you ask His forgiveness, do you still feel burdened? What then?

Your next step would be to forgive those who caused the distractions, and free yourself from grudges toward them. Unforgiveness is a stumbling block to perfect joy. Now, do you still have doubts and guilts, even after asking the Lord's forgiveness, and forgiving others? You're on the right track...you have done the right things...you just need to go one step further.

Have you remembered to forgive yourself? It is a key step in experiencing the Lord's perfect peace. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too (Mark 11:25, TLB). Jesus didn't say to forgive some of those responsible. He said anyone. You are someone too! If you want to be free of grudges...free to receive forgiveness...you must forgive yourself!

Praise the Lord for His simple and beautiful formula for finding forgiveness one step at a time!

Heavenly Father, help me to forgive those who distracted me from my goal today. Help me to forgive myself for not accomplishing what I set out to do. Keep me from bearing any grudges against them, or myself, as I ask You to forgive me. Thank you that I can rest easily tonight as my forgiveness and Your forgiveness together make tomorrow a brand new start. In Jesus' Name, Amen.