‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 NIV.
It’s a funny thing – I have trouble remembering names, faces, and sometimes even what I ate this morning. If Ana asks me to pick up more than 3 things at the store I must make a list. I tell her, “If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t exist.”
If Ana asks me to do something I’ve learned to do it right away, because otherwise I’ll forget. When working on the house, I spend half my time looking for some tool I’ve misplaced. I’m pretty good with numbers, but don’t expect me to recall your name. Basically, I have the memory of a dead elephant!
Unfortunately, there is one thing I’m very good at remembering – the past, specifically my past mistakes. I recall with ease my errors in judgment, my screw-ups, my embarrassing moments. As David lamented, “I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” Psalm 51:3.
It’s not that I don’t believe I’m forgiven. I know, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. It’s more that I have trouble forgiving myself. I haven’t learned to let go and let God.
The good news is God has a terrible memory, at least when it comes to the sins we’ve asked forgiveness for. He declares in Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
This morning, if your past mistakes are clouding your future, if the memory of your sin is darkening your way, lift your eyes to Jesus. His arms are open wide and His offers forgiveness, peace and love to all who come to Him. He will help you “forget the former things” and no longer “dwell on the past.”
Jesus says to you today, “See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:19. The past is over and done, but the future is bright! It’s time to follow Pumbaa’s advice and “…put your behind in the past!”
This morning take Jesus’ hand and walk together with Him into a brighter tomorrow. It’s going to be great!