No Good!

I am an extremist when it comes to forward thinking. In fact, my life verse is Isaiah 43:18, “Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past…”. But occasionally, I have a moment where a tickle from the past pushes its way into my day. While shopping today, a song came on and sent a flood of memories through my mind. They weren’t sinful or tempting memories…just reminders of past days. As I tried to push aside my thoughts, the Lord filled my mind with one word, “Mercy.”

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in a state of numbness. We move from day to day completing daily tasks and every “to-do” standing between us and a moment of relaxation. We still get up and pray each morning; we still spend time during the day with our Lord, but the passion behind our actions is lackluster. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, our lives easily come to a place where we stand right at the border of apathy. One more step, and we enter a very dangerous place in our walk with God.

The Lord reminded me of His mercy today. Throughout my past, His hand was upon me extending His unending, unconditional mercy. He protected me through my bad decisions and dangerous situations while guiding me into His open arms. The definition of mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” Romans 3:12 tells us that not even one of us is good. We are all sinners-today, tomorrow and until the day of glorification. The “wages of sin [is] death…” Romans 6:23. Instead of paying us the wage for our sins, over and over again, He extends mercy to us.

When life gets hectic and I’m just muddling through each day, it is time to reflect on the past. Not my past which is forgotten, but His past. I must reflect on His mercy in my life. Reflect on the many mistakes He has rescued me from; the many miracles He performed in my life; the many times He picked me up, dusted me off and sent me forward; the many victories I have claimed in Jesus’ name; and the many lives I have touched through His Spirit.

Without His mercy and grace I am nothing but an unrighteous wretch. The wage for my sin is death, and the Lord has all power to impart that punishment on me. Instead, He showed mercy and gave me life. Jesus says “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. When I look back on the abundance He has poured over my life, it is impossible to stay lackluster.

Lord Jesus remind me continuously of the mercy You used to pardon my sins. Remind me of everything You have accomplished with my life that I could not. Keep my heart and mind focused on You and Your past. Set my eyes on the path You are lighting with mercy ahead of me. In Jesus’ name.