Rev Renewal
Rev RenewalWhat is it that we remember most about ourselves or others? Are we able to remember the good things we have accomplished or the encouragement we have received from others? Or do we dwell more on where we have come up short in our lives and how others have not measured up?
“Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old (Psalm 25:6)”
For the Psalmist, the cry to the Lord is that the Lord would remember the great mercy and love that was poured out from the very beginning. They are aware of the Lord’s goodness and seeks to remind the Lord is this goodness.
“Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord (Psalm 25:7)”
On the contrary, the sins and shortcomings which the Psalmist may have displayed in the past – their youth – the Psalmist cries out for the Lord not to remember them. Instead, it is the love of the Lord for the Psalmist that is most desirable.
“For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, thought it is great (Psalm 25:11)”
The Psalmist is aware of their sinfulness and the many shortcomings in their life. They do not seek to deny that in their life. However, they hope that for the sake of the Lord’s name – which is an upright and holy name – that the Lord would forgive them of their iniquity. This thankfully is the good news. For the Lord does forgive us abundantly for all our wrong doings. Nothing is too great for the Lord.
“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare (Psalm 25:15)”
The Psalmist will seek the Lord, knowing that they have been forgiven, redeemed, and sustained. Though there will be moments they might return to rebellious or unfulfilling ways, they know that the Lord will be there to offer grace and mercy.
The same is true for all of us. The weight of our sin can be overwhelming. The feelings of guilt and shame weigh heavy on us when we falter from the Lord’s path. Thankfully, the Lord’s abundant grace, mercy, and love is always available to us. May we seek the Lord, trusting in the promise of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. May we also extend this gift of forgiveness and grace to those we encounter. We all will fall short at some point. At those times, the Lord will be ready to offer us the forgiveness needed to carry on.
Blessings,
Pastor Arlyn ><>