where is my accuser now?

recently, i found myself falling under the trap of condemnation without even realizing that i was there. i believe that happens more than we recognize. but, God desires to deliver us from that trap. He is consantly at work in us shining the light of Truth on all of the lies that the enemy traps us in so that we can see and live truly free from sin experiencing all that Jesus bought and paid for us to have. He did this for me in a very unique way not too long ago.

one evening, i was watching a minister on tv. i was really being ministered to from what the person was teaching about. it felt as if i was hearing confirmation from God about a revelation that He had shown me just recently and i was hearing someone else teach the same thing right then and there. i felt overwhelmed by the goodness of God and appreciation for Him showing me that i do hear and listen to His voice.

at that moment, i lifted my heart up to Him in worship to show my thankfulness for Who He was and to recognize His love for me in revealing Himself in such a sweet and real way. as i did that, i felt the presence of God so strongly come into my living room, more so than i could ever remember in a very long time. it was as if He was responding to me, smiling and reaching His arms out to love on me. it was then that i recognized that i was feeling condemned because my response was to lower my head, turn away and cower in his presence, as if i felt ashamed and undeserving of His admonition. my response to Him shocked me! i could not believe that without even having a chance to think it through, i responded in shame. i was horrified at myself! i teach people to stand in the presence of God boldly in Christ. i recognize condemnation in others and help them to see that they are being lied to by the devil and that lie is keeping them from truly being able to go to God and ask Him to take care of them, believing that He will. God had revealed to me a revelation of my righteousness in Christ a long time ago and i knew that because of His goodness and grace, i could stand before Him and expect Him to welcome and take care of me. but, my response to the tangible presnce of God had shown me that unnoticed by me, the enemy had sneakily been deceiving me into looking at myself outside of Jesus. and, it was revealed when i felt guilt and shame in His presence.

i was so mad! mad at myself for listening to the lies of the enemy and not shouting "redeemed!" at him when he pointed at me and expected me to see myself outside of Jesus! i immediately repented and asked God to forgive me for cowering in His presence when He had redeemed me from that. i thanked Him for showing me that i was feeling condemned in an area of my life. and, i realized that it was keeping me from being able to trust Him to deliver me from the very thing that i was feeling condemned for. I lifted my head and stood before Him accepting His acceptance of me, not because i deserved it and did everything right. just one thing! the one thing that was necessary, i believed what He said about me and not the accusation of my enemy. i then enjoyed the loving arms of God and relished in His love and acceptance of me, fully relaxed and at ease. i remember thinking then, "where is my accuser now?"