In full disclaimer, I have never mastered the cartwheel. Those gravity-defined, topsy-turvy maneuvers of childhood look so fun and carefree. In awe, I observed my friends mastering this acrobatic stunt. As a child, watching a good cartwheel on a well-manicured lawn on a perfect summer day could only be bested by one thing: cartwheels on the sand at the beach! Splashing in waves and playing in the sand, could life get any better?
MY HEART FLIPS IN CARTWHEELS
My heart flips in cartwheels I when contemplate God’s mercy. His gracious gift of forgiveness. Sin, bondage, shame, guilt, all gone! Bad thoughts, bad choices, bad behavior remembered no more! How much love the Lord has for us to willingly suffer and bear our sins.
ETERNAL FORGIVENESS
There are so many Bible verses referencing God’s forgiveness. For instance, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalms 32:1). And “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38). God shows his love further by forgiving and forgetting our sins. 1 John 1:9 tells us that he will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Hebrews 8:12 states this clearer, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” My favorite verse on forgiveness is Isaiah 43:25: “I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” God has no interest in recalling past sins that have already been taken to him for forgiveness.
FORGETTING THE PAST
His plan is for us to reflect Christ. He wants us to become more like his Son, the precious Lamb of God. We are to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). However, we cannot walk in righteousness if we are focused on past failures. Oh, how Satan, the Accuser, will try to remind us of our past. He will use every ploy to get us to pick up the old ways or try to keep us in perpetual shame.
SET FREE!
Thanks be to God! We need not agree with that mindset. By keeping our mind focused on Christ and remembering his promises, we are free. We are free to head to the Sea of Forgiveness which stretches as far as the east is from the west. On its shores we can give thanks for the gift of salvation and allow our hearts to perform heavenly cartwheels in the sand.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Fill our hearts with gratitude for your precious gift of salvation. Amazed by your love, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. His willingness to take on our sin so that we can have a right relationship with you. Thank you not only forgiving our sins, but for your inclination to forget our sins as well. We thank you for your plan of redemption, for it is only by your son that we can stand before you free and cleansed. Amen.