Memories (April 18, 2023)

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

The lyrics of a nostalgic Elvis Presley hit from the late 1960s titled “Memories” occasionally come to mind. The chorus of the tune reflects on pleasant moments of the past, recalling, “Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind. Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine.” We must be careful to avoid living in the past, but our memories, both sweet and bitter, are an important part of our human constitution, having helped to shape us into the individuals that we have become.

Somewhat tarnished by age, of course, I find my memory is not quite as sharp as it used to be, but thankfully still largely intact. Regardless of the circumstances they depict, our lingering personal remembrances serve one of two purposes. The precious memories of unforgettable days gone by enrich our lives and are a source of recurring joy carried forward from priceless experiences of long ago. The bitter memories that we’d just as soon forget, on the other hand, serve as lessons learned that hopefully help me to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

As a sinner saved by grace, I am grateful to serve an all-knowing, inexhaustibly powerful, and everywhere-present God of love and mercy. God is holy and righteous, but He is faithful and just not only to forgive but to forget our confessed sins and remember them no more. As part of His pardon, our Father in heaven cleanses us of all unrighteousness by the blood that His beloved Son Jesus Christ shed at Calvary to redeem you, me, and everyone who wisely trusts in Him. In Christ, despite earthly trials, we will spend eternity making precious memories in His presence.

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)