Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!” vs. 7
Psalm 25:6-10
Even as the psalmist affirmed his trust that God was full of mercy and had been that way from the beginning, he knows that his behaviors have not always been proper or prudent. Perhaps he even fears that the record of his deeds and words is disqualifying. At any rate he launches a fervent plea that God will disregard his past altogether and remember him only based on steadfast love. His words resonate with our experience too. Many believers live with the memories of a past not well lived and regular excursions that took them far from the path of righteousness. And some live with the nagging fear that God’s amazing grace hasn’t been quite enough to cleanse their record. Sometimes it is hard to believe that grace is sufficient, especially when we become aware of how exemplary the lives of our friends have been. But the psalmist was right. God’s eyes of love do see both the goodness and the brokenness in us, but in love, only the goodness is remembered. And that message was hammered home again and again by Jesus as he offered forgiveness and restoration to both the good and the broken. Our pasts do not define our futures. As is commonly said in casual conversation, just “fuhgeddaboudit!”
Thought for the Day: What memories continue to haunt me?
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