Do you rehearse your sins over and over? Come to God for forgiveness for age old sins and mistakes of the past? Return to the guilt of your former sins time and time again? Do you live there?
I do sometimes. I feel like the consequences of my sin find me each and every day. I continue to remember them, even though I know I've been forgiven...or maybe I don't know. Maybe I haven't accepted that forgiveness as much as I thought I did.
So I was in my Bible Study Fellowship class and we were discussing the answers to our weekly questions. This week's discussion found us in the small book of Habbakuk. We were studying in chaper 3:1-2 3 This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk: I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.
The study's question was: How might you reflect the posture of this prayer today? What might you ask of God? My answer was: "Be merciful as I live in the consequences of my sin. Send relief like you've done in other situations." Well, okay. I thought it was a pretty fair answer. It's heartfelt, honest and Habakkuk was all about honest communication with the Lord. So our group leader says, "I don't know why, but I feel led to say, 'If God remembers your sin no more, why do you keep remembering it?'" WOW!! She swears she has no idea why that came to mind or why she felt so strongly to say it. But we all know. LOL It was the Holy Spirit prompting her to speak to my heart from our loving Father who wants me to be free of this mindset....constant living in the past because I feel like everything difficult or unwanted in my present stems from the mistakes of years ago. I have not let go of those mistakes. Have I really even accepted the Lord's forgiveness?
Psalm 103:12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. These words from our Lord are not just space fillers in the Bible. They are there for a reason. But many of us live our lives as if they are not meant for us personally. I believe that's what I've been doing. These are the truths God gives us. Yet why do we sometimes act like He's up there keeping a long running score card? Do we not believe what He says? Do we not believe who He is?
I need so much to hear the words spoken by our group leader. This is something I am still processing and learning to live in. There is a lot to unpack for me in this small but powerful statement given to me by the Holy Spirit. I feeling like now it is time to practice forgetting. What a beautiful word for my heart. And I hope your's as well.
Oh Lord, forgive me for doubting Your love and goodness. Your Word tells us You forgive us. That is enough for me. Forgive me for setting myself above Your mercy and grace. And thank You that Your forgiveness is complete and absolute. You truly are the most winsome of all beings and the most loving of all Fathers. What a blessing to be called Your child. Thank You for bringing correction into our lives when we need it.
Psalm 103 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! 6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. 20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! 22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.
Practice forgetting.
No comments:
Post a Comment