God's Memory
By Evelyn O. Shih
We often hear this kind of conversation: "Do you remember...?" Sometimes when this happens to me, I say to myself, "No, I have no idea what you talking about. You must be thinking of someone else."
If the speakers are old acquaintances of fifty years ago, the memories may be even more confused and contradicted. In such cases, it is okay to argue and blame each other's bad memory for trivial things, however, we must guard against becoming a false witness or a cruel accuser for important matters.
The most terrible example can occur between "lost lovers". She still remembers his oath of everlasting love while he not only denies it, but also adds, "I have never loved you!". These latter words are more ferocious than a slaughterer's knife which chops off all the past. This case can't be an excuse of mere forgetfulness.
Praise the Lord! He is our comfort for He never forgets us. In the Bible, He says that He has graven me in His palms of His hands. To express in modern words: He puts my photo on His refrigerator as well as in His wallet.
He is not under time constraints so His memory can not be washed away by time. Even though my appearance has been worn by time, He still remembers me, because He looks at the inner me and He has always been with me, watching my growing and aging.
He won't forget His promises either. His words are settled in heaven and will never change. Every time you ask Him, "Do you remember?", He'll answer, "Yes, I remember." That is what we mean; go to His presence and claim his promises. He is faithful to each of His words.
God has a perfect memory, but He also has a selective memory. It is so wonderful to know that. Truly, no one can escape from His eyesight, nothing can be sifted from His memory, yet He chooses to forget our sins. In other words, He only remembers our good part and forgets our bad part. No matter what your sin, you can always go to Him for forgiveness and He will surely forgive and forget.
You ask the Lord, "Do you remember me?" He answers, "Of course, I remember you are my child whom I created and redeemed." You ask again, "Do you remember how many times I have sinned against you?" He says, "I choose not to put that in my memory." How beautiful the good news is !
