Daily Guideposts 2016: 14-Day Reading PlanSample

I ponder an unresolved issue while I wait in church for the passing of the Communion bread and cup. I believe Jesus offered His perfect life for my imperfect one, that He forgives my sins and makes me right with God. But I don’t know what to do with my memories. Memories of wrongs I’ve committed and wrongs committed against me. Memories holding sadness or regret. They can show up suddenly. I am startled by their power to distract . . . to hurt.

I pray, Lord, help me to understand these memories that I carry. They are part of me. I can’t just change them. A scene from the Bible comes to mind: Jesus, the night before He was crucified, taking a towel and basin of water and washing the disciples’ feet. Simon Peter is aghast at such humble service from the Son of God. He cries, “Never shall You wash my feet!” (John 13:8). Jesus replies, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). Peter responds, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9).

In this quiet Communion moment, Jesus speaks to my heart: When I forgive you, when I heal you, all in you is made clean—even your memories. Don’t be afraid of them.

Relief floods me. His words ring true. I don’t have to hide from God or myself in my memories. I don’t have to dodge them. Jesus’s love has reached even there.

“Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NAS).

—Carol Knapp

Digging Deeper: Acts 22:16; 2 Corinthians 3:4–6, 5:21; Galatians 5:1; 1 John 2:1–2