03/19/24 LEAVING THE PAST WITH GOD

03/19/24 LEAVING THE PAST WITH GOD

I pointed out earlier today that I looked at old family photos, while I took my exercise walk. It was like taking a stroll through time.

I leafed my way through the 1940s (family photos before I was born) and laughed my way through parts of the '50s and '60s.

 

The past for everyone is a mixture of good and bad. I had pensive moments, sad moments, regretful moments. It hurts to think about personal and relational brokenness. It is somewhat haunting to know how some situations eventually developed.

 

If it was not for the goodness and grace of God, some of our past memories would overwhelm us. In fact, God's grace and goodness not only saves us from the torturous memories of previous sins and relationships, He saves us from the life of sin, failure and emptiness. I am not only forgiven, I am transformed, I am a new creature.

 

I have hurt people in the past. Sometimes it was because I said or did something I should not have, sometimes it was because I was simply thoughtless and sometimes they were hurt because of a misunderstanding. In any case, I have regretted being part of someone else's pain. I can take steps to make it right, but reconciliation will depend on the other person's response to my apology.

 

However, when people believe on Christ for reconciliation, repent of their sins, confesses faith in Christ, then God regenerates, cleanses and forgives them and He restores them to a right relationship with Himself. This is freedom from sin and judgment. This is joy and peace and love and hope and newness of life.

 

Unhappily, not everyone experiences God's saving grace and they carry their own guilt, while presently living a life of spiritual futility. Not only are they not experiencing God's forgiveness for their own sins, they are unable to get over, or get past the sins of other people, or for their own reasons, they keep up a wall of separation.

 

When strolling down memory lane it is important to go with Jesus. Thankfully He heals our brokenness, and He also guides us into a better future.