::Memories::

Do you have painful or shameful memories?

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11

I don't know about you, but in my life I have made a lot of mistakes. Looking back there were a ton of things that I could have done differently. Someone recently pointed out to me that almost all of our painful or shameful memories could have been avoided if we had followed God's law. The statement made me stop and think for a bit, but I found it to be very true. The reason they are shameful memories that cause me pain is because I know that I was in the wrong. I did things in the past that I am most certainly not proud of, and they could have all been avoided if I had followed God's Word. If I hadn't lied, or cheated; if I hadn't dated someone I knew I was unequally yoked with... Where do you stand? Could you have avoided having shameful memories by following God's Word? We shouldn't regret our past, it makes us who we are today, but learning from it is always a good thing. I have learned that not obeying God brings me shame. I love Psalm 5:11 because it speaks of taking refuge in God, and letting Him protect us. One of the ways that we can take refuge in Him and allow Him to protect us is to obey His Word. That alone will bring us an amazing amount of protection, protection from doing things we know are wrong. It will bring us protection from the memories and consequences of sin. God didn't give us commands because He likes being a dictator; He gave them to us to protect us from heartache.

Reflection:

Do you have shameful memories that could have been avoided by following God's Word?

Application Step:

As you go about your day, remember that God gave us His commands because He loves us, and wants to protect us. When you are tempted to sin, remember that you will have to live with that memory forever. Choose to do something that you won't regret!

Prayer:

Father God, thank you so much for loving me enough to give me rules. Thank you for wanting to protect me from myself, and my own bad choices. You are such an amazing God! Help me to learn and follow Your Word, so that I can live a life with no regrets. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.