Memory

Photo by Bgrace

"The Holy Spirit is your memory."

It was the thought that came through to me as I was reading Andrew Murray this morning. I'm still reading Abide in Christ, one of his books that has steadily climbed its way to the "top shelf" of my bookcase. It's not difficult to understand, but is the type of book that is written to invite change not only to your thinking but to your very being as you take it in; as you eat of it's bread.

Reading each chapter is like sailing in a boat toward an island of paradise that stands visible in the distance, but still fuzzy. The more I read it, the closer it moves me to the island, the clearer I see paradise.

But today, this idea in his writings birthed another course in my spirit guided by the Holy Spirit. I've spent a good deal of time this morning going through the Scriptures, and seeing the truth of this thought imprinted in it's pages. It's something I want to write about more at length.

Yet it seemed to answer so beautifully my cry to the Lord that came through in my last post--about going back to my old journals--that I thought I must share with you briefly His response to my cry.

The Spirit of God is always in the process of sanctifying our memory.

He helps us to remember the circumstances of the past in the light of truth.

Truth that His Spirit alone can help us to discern.

He helps us to receive that truth in the sanctuary of grace. A place safe enough for us to face the truth because we know we will never experience His rejection. Safe because He gives us power to bear it. Safe because His grace is a place of cleansing and healing.

He helps us to remember the circumstances of the past, it's darkness and deaths, in the light of the resurrection, the sure hope of redemption. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God's words, God's promises, and God's faithfulness to them and to us. (II Tim. 2:11-13)

Holy Spirit, remember the past with me.

Enlighten me.

Give me clear vision to see it in truth.

Give me great grace to bear it's weight and grief.

Cleanse me from my shame, my doubts, my iniquities.

Redeem my confused choices and their repercussions.

Receive me in the comfort of your love and the promise of your grace to empower change.

Remove the stain of the sins of others upon me.

Render their false judgements and condemnations powerless against your light.

Demolish the dark spirits that have long warred against my soul with lies.

Heal me. Make me whole. Make me holy.

May I see the evidence of Your presence guiding, sustaining, and carrying me through the darkest of nights.

May all see the light of your truth, your grace, and your redemption in and through me.

Amen