Apples of Gold

I’m not sure if having constant access to technology, a hectic schedule or merely my overloaded brain is to blame, but I find myself asking Siri to set a reminder more and more lately. Usually I’m pretty good at remembering things but unfortunately from time to time very important things slide through the crevices of my memory, much like the water draining through a colander. 

Even more tragic than forgetting things I want to remember is remembering things I would rather forget. Those cringeworthy moments when the less sanctified portions of my humanity slither through the cracks in my armor, remind me of my constant dependency on the mercy of God and the understanding of those who observe the tumultuous process.  

These moments tend to play over and over again like a scratched record that traps the needle in a repetitious cycle, repeating the unalterable scene as an unending parade of preferable options race through your mind. 

When we find ourselves wrestling with self-condemnation this reminder from David might be just what we need:

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:8-12

Having a daughter living in the far east is a helpful reminder that east and west are quite far removed from each other. As I get ready to settle down for the night my daughter is already up and experiencing tomorrow. At times my behavior might deserve a harsh response and yet I am met with unfailing love and unmerited forgiveness.  

This is one thing that the enemy of our souls wants us to forget. Certainly if he is constantly accusing us to our Father, he is trying the same tactic with us as well:

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, It has come at last-salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth-the one who accuses them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10

Until that day arrives we will face the constant reminders of our weakness and if we desire to overcome the guilt and shame we must arm ourselves with the Word of God and embrace the truth it contains, regardless of how we might feel at the moment. 

The importance of distinguishing between our feelings and our beliefs in times of uncertainty cannot be overrated. We might feel abandoned but we believe:

God has said, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. Hebrews 13:5

We might feel like our record stands as a barrier between us and our Lord but we believe:

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15

Repented sin is forgiven and forgotten by God, cancelled through the work of Jesus on the cross and yet we allow it to cling to us like a static charged sock fresh from the heat of the dryer. Perhaps we need to set a reminder to meditate on the inexhaustible and fully accessible gift we have been given. We cannot earn the favor of God and yet we have unfettered access to it when we surrender our lives to him, embracing the sacrifice so willingly offered by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

The battle we wage in our hearts and minds to subdue our fears and seize the inheritance of peace and joy found in true forgiveness will continue throughout our journey. When doubts and fear assail we can put our trust in the character of the one who never fails, cannot lie, and loves without end. 

Pay attention, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I, the LORD, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44:21-22