Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

My husband and I enjoy our walks on Balboa Island but this view is not so pretty! These barges are dredging up the surrounding bay, moving 900 thousand cubic yards of sediment. They have have been at it for ten months, removing that sand, silt, clay and fine mud out of there. They are dumping most of it six miles off shore in the open ocean. Without this periodic dredging, boats would not be able to navigate in the shallowing waters.

Dredging things up in relationships is not such a good idea! Today’s verse reminds us that when God forgives, He doesn’t bring it all up again. The two most distant points one can imagine; sunrise in the east and sunset in the west, is the image used to express how far the Lord has removed our sins from us. He does this to prove the great love He has for those that fear Him (verse 11). Memories of past sin that have already been forgiven are not from Him!

Would that my love for others would not dredge up past hurts or disappointments! Especially in marriage, there is a whole litany available to bring up on both sides. But to rehash what has already been dealt with serves no purpose other than to drive a wedge. I am relieved that God doesn’t do it with me. But instead He chooses to not remember confessed sin (Is. 43:25). I know He can give me that same heart of forgiveness when I ask it of Him.

Lord, don’t let me dredge up the past.