In reading Ezek. 20:43 and Psalm 111:10, we find, "You will remember your conduct...and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done...The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
"God has placed within humanity a concept called conscience. It's that ringing bell that can't be ignored. It says to us, "Remember me?" When that call comes and we remember the hurtful things we have said and done, or the things we have left undone, our hearts are crushed in shame. Only then will God come to us when we say, "Lord , I repent. I am a sinner with no right to call on you."
"The fear of the Lord brings wisdom and we can then say, "I'll never do that again, because it separated me from fellowship with God." God brings to mind how we've behaved and we are humbled. And God will know of our sorrow. If we do not feel God's presence, remember, God never leaves us; we're the ones who move away. He waits for our repentance.
"Lord God, give me a heart that helps me to remember when I've denied you, that I might receive your consolation and forgiveness. Amen."
This remembrance from long ago is still appropriate today. I still need to pray the little prayer above and the emptiness before I do pray, still comes to me. I hope the realization that we all make these same mistakes will make it easier for you to go to God when you remember your own sin. As you have faith in God, I have faith in you.
Jo INMN
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