I was recently drawn into a moment of recollection, and as times long past came to mind, I began to consider the power of memories. I consider my memories to be mental snap shots of moments of significance. I have great memories of many simple and benign moments. I also have great memories of those moments that proved to be complex with highly charged emotions, all from childhood, life, marriage, kids, and even pets (and much more). I have memories of moments when I stared at the stars on a chilly night camping, watched sunsets explode with colors so vibrant from airplane trips over the Gulf, locations where I found myself hearing songs for the first time, and seeing the black smoke pour from the exhaust pipe of an old John Deere tractor on a cold frost-bitten morning.
I remember saying “I do”, and placing the ring on the hand of my bride. I remember the first look at my baby girl just born. There are so many great memories that are forever with me. We all have them, moments that seem so vivid as to have just occurred all over again.
We also have vivid memories of not-so-great moments too. These are even more easily recalled, and can come back in a way as to be relived once again. In truth, these not-so-great memories often supersede the good ones, one of these often serving to replace 100+ good memories. We are reminded of how we fall short, especially in the eyes of others. We also are often swift to recall the single moment in which another has caused us hurt at the expense of anything good they have ever done.
Thankfully, we are not to apply this pattern to Almighty God. When we confess our sins, repent, and turn away from our disobedience of the commands of Almighty God the memory of them is removed forever.
The prophet Micah records that the sins of God’s people will be cast into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-20). The Psalmist teaches us our transgressions will be as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Saint John reminds us that Jesus Christ is our advocate, and the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:1-2).
Today, remember that the memories that bring about shame and sorrow in reflection of your actions of disobedience, if confessed and repented before Almighty God, are gone. Gone forever. This is true as long as those who have done wrong to you have likewise been forgiven by you. Consider this verse today, as you recall the memories that shape your mind and life:
For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:2, ESV)
Almighty Father, help us forgive others who have hurt and wounded us, and help those memories to flee from us and be forever gone; Remind us that as we do so, we can believe with confidence that our sins are forgiven for which we confess and repent, and forgotten by Thee forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honor, forever and ever. AMEN.