“If you, God kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped.” Psalm 130.3,4
Retracing one’s steps is always dangerous. It is easy to deceive yourself. While looking at one’s own history we all carry a desire to remain positive. Given the facts, this is frequently not an easy assignment. Looking at this past week in my own life, retracing old steps would sober the most intense drunk!
Lucky for me others do not have insight on my motives and beliefs. Walking through old territory, visiting with friends, driving familiar streets, and seeing the results of a vision was both fun and terrifying and awe inspiring. Most of the time these emotions and more were bubbling together, a cauldron of emotions cooking for an unknown diner.
There were many good memories. Times spent with friends trying to make life just a little bit better, walks exploring things new and old, adventures where the journey and destination made life a happier place to be, and sacrifices for noble causes.
Some memories were difficult. Well intentioned decisions that were, on reflection, just plain wrong. Choices that hurt others and still do. Mistakes and false priorities that one only dreams of unwinding.
Walking from the past into the present brought forward some pain from the past mixed with hope for the future. What do people remember? What does God see? If God kept records of my difficult memories, I would not stand a chance! There are too many incidents of failure. I find a consistency of self-centeredness that continues through today. Grief and pain that came from my hand ripples on. As it turns out, forgiveness is part of God’s clothes. It is a garment close to His heart, something He always wears when going out.
We are very lucky! Retracing one’s steps is not dangerous. God forgives! God loves unconditionally! We do not need to worry; our slates are clean in Jesus. It’s time to dance and celebrate; God’s made is ok, now and forever!
