I continue to be frustrated at how often I am led into temptations and how quickly I sometimes give in. It is so much easier to rationalize than to resist. After all, sin is fun! The Bible even says so (Hebrews 11:25). But the shame and guilt afterward are never worth the brief moments of pleasure and escape.

I have never stood firm and regretted it. I have often given in and wished I hadn’t.

“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight…

Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.“

(Psalm 51:1-4)