“It was a bit painful. I didn’t want to go back into my life and imagine things that I hadn’t understood so far.” Those words from Ian McKellen, the actor who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Gandalf in the movie trilogies The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, help explain why he cancelled a book contract for his autobiography. It was too painful.
It’s likely that all of us have moments from our past that are painful to recall. Paul’s famous words in the book of Romans remind us that “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” because of what we’ve done wrong (Romans 3:23). In addition, we’ve been hurt by others—sometimes unintentionally, but often intentionally. The sins of others, or our own poor choices, leave many of us filled with memories we’d rather forget.
God chooses not to remember our sins. He’s not forgetful, but simply has decided to “never again remember” the wrong we’ve done (Hebrews 10:17). We can take comfort that in this same passage the promise of our identity in Jesus is restated: “For by that one offering [of Jesus] he forever made perfect those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14).
Are there seasons of your life you would rather forget—painful memories from the past? Find encouragement in the loving forgiveness of God today. By faith in Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, you’re “being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14). The memories of sins you’ve committed, or the memories of sins others have committed against you, don’t need to keep you from a life of peace in God’s presence. “Our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean” (Hebrews 10:22).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Deuteronomy 30:1-20
More:
Read Psalm 103:8-18 and pay special attention to what it says about how much God loves us.
Next:
What painful memory is holding you back from peace with God? Who’s a trusted and mature believer in Jesus with whom you can talk about it? How does God’s forgiveness encourage you today?
Gary Shultz on February 24, 2017 at 4:57 am
Hi Andy: Those were two great scripture references today. Each person reads them and can be struck with different facets of the passages in Hebrews and the one in Psalms 103. To know the almost “legal feel” to
the work of Christ and the resultant action applied to us is fascinating. Maybe there are some believers that can separate themselves from the past; however, I don’t know that is is completely possible. I do chose to put those thoughts, that would haunt me, on my “redeemed shelf” in the forgiven section, but they are still there. I believe, at this time in history only God has the ability to completely erase our offenses before Him, through Jesus. It is our job in faith to allow them to rest with Him, as I heard on time, God threw our sins into the deepest sea and posted a sign “NO FISHING”. The passage in Psalms show me the understanding, mercy, and compassion that God has for us. Truly God has showed us extravagant love in all concerns surrounding us. He remembers to forget our sins and wraps us in love and grace as He brings to a place we were designed to be, in Christ. A great way to start or end the day. Thanks Andy
corgimom on February 24, 2017 at 6:08 am
Lord, please forgive me for my sins, for my failure to rely on you to meet my needs and heal my broken spirit. Please return the “years the locust have eaten” to me. Help me to learn from this experience — not only about myself but also to learn compassion and grace for others who struggle with “locusts” of their own. Amen.
Blessings to the ODJ family today and always! Susan
gagirllive on February 24, 2017 at 11:28 am
Praying for you today, corgimom. We have a Balm in Gilead who is more than able to heal our wounds and restore the years the locusts have eaten. Get in His presence and experience the fullness of joy and pleasures found at His right hand. Then pass it on. 🙂 Live and love well today, dear sister.
beggar who found bread on February 24, 2017 at 7:34 am
Thanks Andy. That was a very satisfying and tasty spiritual breakfast from God’s living and powerful word.
hsnpoor on February 24, 2017 at 7:49 pm
GG, todays devotion brings to mind what you said recently about driving looking into your rear-view mirror instead of the windshield. Actually, that comment hasn’t really left my mind since you shared it. It hit the spot and stayed there! And, I’ve definitely had opportunity to share it with others and have done so….
gagirllive on February 25, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Glory to God, Kim. I’m glad it’s been of use to you. God’s knows how many times your comments here have blessed me. Love and love well today, dear sister. ♡
gagirllive on February 25, 2017 at 12:09 pm
That was supposed to be “live and love well today”, but I suppose “love and love well” works too, doesn’t it? 🙂