THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, February 19, 2024

Lord, I envision the psalmist pacing the floor of the Temple, praying with arms extended toward Heaven, and shaking his head in disbelief. Were you amused when he slapped his forehead, thinking “How could I be so stupid? What was I thinking?”

You answered straightforward: “You weren’t! You were young and made dumb choices.”

Our humanity enjoys taking us on guilt trips, so this probably wasn’t the first time you heard his entreaty. Despite his ongoing penitence, forgiving himself became a struggle when the devil constantly reminded him of his foolish choices. Who among his friends—or enemies— knew his past? What if they find out?  Lord, how you must have desired the psalmist to get through his thick skull you forgave his misdeeds years ago. But once again you heard his plea:

“Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth” (Psalm 25:7 NLT).

Then it clicked. “I’m forgiven!” Incredible joy must have rendered him nearly speechless. I think you didn’t mind him ridiculously repeating, “Thank you! Thank you!”

So, this is the freedom from sin you talk about. You lifted this yoke of self-unforgiveness of those foolish sins of his youth off his shoulders. Those haunting memories no longer controlled him. Finally, the realization you no longer remembered his youthful indiscretions released him to become all you created him to be. Oh, the grace and the joys of having a clean slate before you, O God, and sins remember no more. The psalmist added a new stanza to his prayer.

“Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord” (Psalm 25:7 NLT).

Yes, Jesus, how I related to the psalmist’s youthful follies. This freedom from stupid sin, and all sin is stupid, is available to all who call on you. May we all call on you, Lord. I’m thankful I called.

Amen, Jesus.