Atelphobia
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Originally, I was going to title this False Guilt but I could not find pictures that pleased me with what I want to say. Then I decided to define it and this is what I found. Perhaps we will add a new word to our vocabulary today.
There are moments when we all suffer from this disorder. When we do, we use words like this: “I don’t deserve this!” We don’t deserve anything but because of our gracious, loving heavenly Father, He pours blessing upon blessing upon us. He has no score card or check-off list.
When we get in these moods, they can spiral out in two distinctly different directions. One is the pity party path where you hear that looping tape in your head that chants: I’m a loser and I’ll always be worthless.
The other path leads us to ask questions like these: Do I really deserve this? What did I do?
Wouldn’t it be nice to internalize words like these: This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runs over with blessings. After plodding uphill, you are now traipsing through lust meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it to you.
Many hesitate to receive His good gifts with open hands. That false guilt creeps in saying you don’t really deserve to be so richly blessed. This is nonsense thinking because no one deserves anything. His kingdom is not about earning and deserving; it’s about believing and receiving.
When His children balk at accepting His gifts, I think it causes Him grief. When we receive His abundant blessings with a grateful heart, I envision His smiling face. His great pleasure in giving and our pleasure in receiving flow together in joyous harmony. What a beautiful relationship!
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You give us. Help us to accept them with open hands and open hearts. AMEN.
Mo Haner with Sarah Young