Psalm 77 includes a number of verses that relate to current meaning for history and memory, a combination that assists people in understanding, accepting and articulating their faith – for themselves as well as others. It is important that we use memory to help ourselves, to retain and even strengthen the faith that is vital to the meaning of life, and to the immortality we believe has been promised in Christ – a faith including the hope of immortality. The person of faith moves these matters from speculation to commitment, a belief that that which is not seen is as sure, even more so, than that which is seen. That which is seen we know is fragile and will pass away. That which most concerns us is unseen, vital to our faith and, when genuine, will not pass away. The point seems paradoxical – that God’s work will not pass away. The point is made memorable.
There are two common perceptions of forgetfulness. One is simply out-of-mind. It is not really forgotten, but not now recalled. It is recalled when something triggers rediscovery in the files of the mind. Out it comes, for good or ill. That is the way it is for mankind. But our recall is poor, especially in matters spiritual, that we may lose what we ought to keep. The other perception is true forgetting. Some believe that only God has the ability to forget totally, and for him it must relate to his miraculous authority. How can God forget that we did those awful things even if they were long ago happenings? He informs us in Scripture that he can do that. Asking forgiveness from him, he obliges by throwing the offending matters behind his back. He doesn’t turn around. His vision is directed forward, except where there are accounts that must, in the end, be toted up. We may have trouble processing that, likely because of embarrassments over past sins. There are other reasons as well, but the flood of humility that one feels at the offenses of life seem so large that one feels they must be remembered. God may be a bit miffed at us because after gaining his forgiveness, we have so much trouble forgiving ourselves. Memory is too ready to dredge up the past related to our own offenses against righteousness. Forgetting is a part of God’s forgiveness. On an occasion, in a call on some friends with one of my sons, he asked: Do you really want me to go along? I was then reminded that as a school lad he had offended our friend, and we had to address the matter at that time. I was suddenly animated. I had forgotten the event, decades earlier that had been forgiven. That forgiveness actually made the visit a positive spiritual event.
Scripture suggests that we use our memories for best purposes. Can we remember what God has done, his presence and care, his forgiveness and empowerment, his love and promises? The point to remember is that he is present, cares, and has made a way out for the spiritually troubled and guilty. That way has some narrowing limitations for ambling human beings, but that way is peaceful, fulfilling, comfortable, and delivering to freedom. It delivers from guilt, accusation – from old wounds that may lead to troubled death. The poet wrote, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! The ability to forget, best through forgiveness or being forgiven, is a miracle. Sin is washed away.
Let the memory dance with the biography of those who have believed and practiced the way of the Lord in the land of the living. Starting with one’s own experience, stretched through the years, and following the story, God’s story, all the way back to the beginning, we find the truth of God among his forgiven people. It is comforting to believe that the Lord has been present with us through thick and thin. We ought to look for God, not only from the beautiful, but the forgiven. Jesus said, Father, forgive them. They know not what they do. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020