Everyone seems to have problems with remembering, not so much with what is there in the memory cells, but what doesn’t seem to be there when we want it. This is especially evident as we grow older. Where did I put it? Why did I come into this room? What was her name? Many questions fill our minds and making a list of things to do and to buy becomes essential.

Today we have help on every hand. The world of electronics shows us how to store and recall information. Think of the iPods and iPads, laptops and mobiles and the huge amount of information they keep in a tiny space. Then there’s instant recall at the press of a key, a touch or a click. Words, songs, images—you name it, all there in a flash.

When we don’t want to remember

All of us wish that certain memories could be forever blotted out — things we’ve said and done that were indiscreet, acts and attitudes we had that we are now ashamed of. We hope others affected by what we’ve done will also forget. Time will heal, we hope.

However, there are many failures on our part that won’t go away. Breaking God’s law is an offence that is not going to go unnoticed. God doesn’t have memory loss as we do. He knows all about our record and the sin accumulated in it. No, we can’t visualise Him sitting with a laptop in front of Him (after all, His memory is perfect) but we know that all will be revealed in a day to come. Yes, it’s all on record.

All will be revealed

In a startling passage in Luke 12:2-3Luke 12:2-3, Jesus said, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.”

In the Book of Revelation we read that at the last judgment the books will be opened and people will be assessed by their deeds.

Justice will be seen to be done and no-one at that judgment will escape.

Some things God will forget

It is a tremendous relief to know that forgiveness is available. So much in the Bible addresses this matter. God took the initiative in providing a Saviour who suffered in our place. Those who admit their fault and sincerely turn to Christ, asking forgiveness, are promised a clean slate.

“I am He who blots out your law-breaking for my own sake and I will not remember your sin” (Isaiah 43, verse 25Isaiah 43, verse 25). Also, “I will be merciful toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of lawlessness no more” (Hebrews 8, verse 12Hebrews 8, verse 12)

There are many promises along the same lines. He buries our sins “in the depths of the sea” (Micah 7, verse 19Micah 7, verse 19). He removes them “as far as the East is from the West” (Psalm 103, verse 12Psalm 103, verse 12).

What good news! It’s your move next.