Forgotten Sin (Psalm 40:11-12)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:11-12

The Bible tells us that—when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, when we accept the gift of salvation through His sacrifice—we are forgiven. Sins we've done. Sins we will do. Not only are our sins forgiven, but they are also forgotten (Psalm 103:12; 25:7; Isaiah 43:25).

So, if we're forgiven and if God doesn't remember our sin, why do we often live in regret? Sometimes, we think, "If only I hadn't [fill in the blank]." Or "I wish I'd chosen this instead of that." We allow our "iniquities [to] overtake" us. Our "hearts fail" because we continue to remember our sins ... instead of our salvation.

This isn't how God wants us to live. He wants us to live with the joy of our salvation through Jesus Christ. He wants us to experience His "tender mercies." He wants us to feel His lovingkindness. He wants to "preserve" us with His truth.

Psalm 16:11 says,

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

This is how God wants us to live: lives full of joy as we live in His presence.

He doesn't want us to wallow in the pass or live in regret. He doesn't want us to be overtaken by sin. Rather, He wants us to be free from sin, living for Him.

That's true joy ... forever.