REMEMBERING GOD'S GREATNESS AND GOODNESS

Psalm 105 gives an overview of Israel's history from Egypt to the promised land, Canaan. Psalm 106 describes the Israelites' sins as they traveled from Egypt to the promised land. The theme of Psalm 106 is the confession of sins and asking God for deliverance. The writer of Psalm 106 began to praise God by remembering God's greatness and goodness. Psalm 106:1-5 says, "Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage." It is important to remember God's greatness and goodness when we want to return to God after sinning. 

One thing that sin does to us is that it puts guilt and shame into our hearts and minds. As a result, we are hesitant to go back to God because we feel unworthy to come to His presence and fear His anger and wrath. However, those negative thoughts undermine the greatness and goodness of our God. Satan wants to capitalize on our sinful situations to draw us away from God through fear and shame; however, the Spirit of God who is in us wants us to remember God's goodness, grace, mercy, and love. When we are reminded of God's greatness, goodness, grace, mercy, and love, it inspires and encourages us to approach God with a humble heart, confess our sins to Him, and ask for forgiveness. God immediately forgives our sins when we sincerely confess our sins to Him. Hebrews 8:12 says, "And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins." After we confess our sins to God, we must accept by faith His forgiveness, and move on to do the right things because God has already chosen not to remember our sins anymore. When past sins return to our minds, we must remind ourselves that God has forgiven those sins.

Forgiveness is a mighty work of God in our lives. God can completely forgive us because our Lord Jesus already died for our sins on the cross and accepted the punishment of our sins upon Himself. This is why it is important to remember His greatness, goodness, grace, mercy, and love when we want to return to Him after sinning.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should I do when I sin against God and want to restore my relationship with Him? How should I feel when God chooses not to remember my past sins anymore? What should I do when Satan uses my past sins to put condemnation in me?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for your greatness, goodness, grace, mercy, and love. Please forgive me for all my sins, whether I sinned intentionally or unintentionally. You know my heart, and there is nothing hidden from you. Thank you for your immediate forgiveness and for choosing not to remember my past sins anymore. Please help me to do what pleases you and walk away from any sins that easily entangle me. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.