In verse 7, the psalmist pleads, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions.” It seems that many of us have a hard time forgetting or forgiving the sins of our own youth. I have known many who live as if their past sins define them and their relationships for the rest of their lives.
The hope found in this psalm is that our past sins do not define us. Instead, a loving, steadfast, and merciful God offers us a new identity: beloved. Because of the One who allows us to begin each day with a clean slate, we can live fully into that identity. Our thoughts, words, and actions can spring up from that identity. Forgiven and accepted as we are, we can be open to God’s leading and instruction, seeking to be more and more like the Source of Our Being.
Offer a prayer of confession for those sins that you cannot seem to forget or forgive. Find assurance in the promise that because of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, in Christ, you are forgiven.
