As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalms 103:12 KJV
We all need a way to say farewell or goodbye to something.
Especially if that something has caused us grief or pain.
We want to have a fresh start.
It is easier said than done, but with support it can be done.
That is what happens in some areas of the world.
In New York they set aside today as a day to do this.
It is called “Good Riddance Day.”
It occurs on December 28th each year.
It was inspired by a Latin American tradition.
Individuals will gather in New York Times Square and write down their unpleasant, and embarrassing memories.
Any bad issues from the previous year.
When they have completed their list, they throw them in an industrial-strength shredder or take a sledgehammer to it.
In the end there would be a celebration of the departure of unwanted memories.
A way to start the New Year on a brighter note.
Psalms 103 goes beyond suggesting that we say goodbye to our unpleasant memories.
The psalmist reminds us that God has already bid farewell to our sins.
He used word pictures to express God’s great love for His people.
In one, he compared the greatness of God’s love to the distance between the heavens and the earth (v.11).
The psalmist even talked about the forgiveness God affords us. How far it reaches.
He said, “as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (v.12).
The psalmist wanted us, God’s people, to know that His love and forgiveness were infinite and complete.
God freed us from the power of sin by fully forgiving us of them all.
That He is there to comfort and guide us any time of the day.
The most important thing to remember, we don’t have to wait until the New Year.
Because of our faith in the Lord, we can make every day a day to say goodbye to our sins and one of celebration.
Knowing that God has forgiven us of all of them.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, You have always been full of compassion. You see how weak we are in body and soul. How we can do little without You. Thank You for giving us the ability to know You. To obtain freedom from any sin that comes our way. Let us continue to gain understanding and follow all the ways You have determined are the best for our lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen