Looking Back
One of the fun things about having teenagers is that I am thinking more about my life as a teen. Since November 10th marks the 30th anniversary of my first date with my first boyfriend, yesterday morning I decided to read my journal from that part of my life. Well, once I started reading, I keep going so that I ended up covering most of Grade 10-12 before breakfast. My reaction? Let's just say I wasn't impressed. Was I ever boy-crazy.... and superficial!
My head started spinning with questions .... why was I so needy? what was I thinking in that situation? who was that person - is that really me? I started down the road of judgement when I realized I had a choice: shame or celebration. I chose the latter and my questioning and condemning turned to thanksgiving. I thanked God for His grace in my life, His good gifts - including my amazing husband, His long-suffering with me, His protection, and His provision. I celebrated God's redeeming work in me.
Looking back can be painful. We might be ashamed and embarrassed by our actions, thoughts, and words. Anger and grief might rise up along with regret. As the writer of Lamentations says,
"I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me."
Lamentations 3:19-20
So what are we to do? Keep reading (verse 21)
"Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:"
When we look back at our lives and face our sin and sorrow, we also need to remember God and look back at what He has done and continues to do for us - extend mercy.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”"
Lamentations 3:22-24
The Lord's mercy is such a vast and important topic and I don't have time to dig into it right now. I will just encourage you, when you look back on your life, remember:
"Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13
When you remember your life, call to mind God's mercy, His compassion for you and the extent of His love: giving His Son to the world. (John 3:16).
Let God in His love have the final word.
peace and grace in Christ,
Tracy
My head started spinning with questions .... why was I so needy? what was I thinking in that situation? who was that person - is that really me? I started down the road of judgement when I realized I had a choice: shame or celebration. I chose the latter and my questioning and condemning turned to thanksgiving. I thanked God for His grace in my life, His good gifts - including my amazing husband, His long-suffering with me, His protection, and His provision. I celebrated God's redeeming work in me.
Looking back can be painful. We might be ashamed and embarrassed by our actions, thoughts, and words. Anger and grief might rise up along with regret. As the writer of Lamentations says,
"I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me."
Lamentations 3:19-20
So what are we to do? Keep reading (verse 21)
"Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:"
When we look back at our lives and face our sin and sorrow, we also need to remember God and look back at what He has done and continues to do for us - extend mercy.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”"
Lamentations 3:22-24
The Lord's mercy is such a vast and important topic and I don't have time to dig into it right now. I will just encourage you, when you look back on your life, remember:
"Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13
When you remember your life, call to mind God's mercy, His compassion for you and the extent of His love: giving His Son to the world. (John 3:16).
Let God in His love have the final word.
peace and grace in Christ,
Tracy
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