Here is a powerful weapon for every follower of Jesus: Cry! Cry out with all of your heart as David did (see Psalm 34:6). Go to the Lord and confess your sin and appeal to his lovingkindness, saying, "Lord, I know you love me and are ready to forgive me. I repent before you right now."
At the very moment you confess, you are clear with God. It is futile to think you can repay any amount for your sin. God loves you so much that he gave his Son, Jesus, who has already made all payment. Your merciful, loving Advocate is yearning to help and deliver you: "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).
Strolling alongside my young granddaughter, Tiffany, as she walked atop a low concrete wall. I held her from behind to keep her from falling, but she tried to knock my hand away. Eventually I let go, and she toppled over, though without hurting herself. When she fell, I did not desert her, of course. I didn't say, "Look what you did. You're not mine anymore!" No loving grandparent would do that.
The Lord showed me through that experience, "David, you allow yourself such love for this child. But at times you don't allow me to love you in the same way. You swell with pride over your children, but at times you won't allow me to take pride in you."
I heard the Lord speak a tender word to my heart. He said, "Son, you bless me. You bless my heart!" No one has ever said anything better to me in my life. And I know this particular word is true. God takes pleasure in his children (Psalms 147:11).