Released

As you think about the actions of your youth, did your parents pretty much know everything that was going on with you, or not? If you are a parent, do you think you know/knew pretty much everything that was going on with your children? If you had the opportunity, would you want to know anything new from those days?

Sometimes the actions of our past can give us moments of regret for what we’ve done. Or, it can make us thankful that God kept us safe through some of our more risky decisions! This is not just characteristic of our youth, however. Everyday we face the opportunity to make wise or unwise decisions.

Let’s look for guidance and wisdom from Psalm 25:1-9

1 O Lord, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
    which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
    Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right;
    he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.

Verse 7 might really hit home and conjure up some memories. The verse implores God to “not remember the sins of my youth.” The good news is God tells us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).” We can take him at his word that he forgives our sins. We may struggle with hanging on to the sins of our youth and not forgiving ourselves, but this verse assures us we have been forgiven, by him, and we can move on!

In what ways does this passage instill confidence in you to trust God? Why should we actively seek His will? To help answer this question, look back through the passage and create statements that start with “God is _________.”

4832 Ponderings:

• We may not think that we have actual enemies, as mentioned in verse 2, but we do face difficult people and circumstances. How does your dependance on God help you face these difficulties?
• As you reflect on God’s character, how does it give you hope and strength right now as you face the challenges of life?

Closing Prayer:  Dear Jesus, we are so thankful You were willing to forgo Your rights and wellbeing on our behalf. May we follow Your beautiful example and be willing to look to the needs and wellbeing of others, as a witness of Your love for them, as well as our love for them. Help us not try to lift ourselves up, but instead find the value, honor, and simplicity of being a humble child of our heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.