I messed up. Now What?
Psalm 51 has a solid plan. Here is the condensed version.
Acknowledge – All change starts with understanding and believing you are wrong.
Desire – Move from head to heart so you can do something about it, the right way.
Purge – Knowing and doing are two different things. Remove. Repent.
Create – Removal always leaves a place for something new.
Restore – Make amends with others and yourself. Let it go.
Teach – You have a story, share it. It helps you as well as others.
Resist the temptation to just “pay the fine” and move on. Real life altering peace and freedom comes from within. The key to the whole process is desire, it’s always a heart matter.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it : thou delightest not in burnt offering. [17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:16-17 KJV