Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:2

Sunday I heard the same message I’ve heard repeatedly throughout my Christian life. “When you confess your sins to Christ, He hears you. He forgives you and remembers them no more.” What?! He remembers them no more! I love how at just the right time the Holy Spirit opens your ears and heart so you hear just what is needed in that moment.

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
Isaiah 43:25 –

I had the recollection of using my new power washer on the back patio. I was excited to see how well it worked. I hooked it up to the hose and plugged it in. The brief thought of mixing water and electricity sparked through my mind, but I continued.

At first glance I could tell the patio was a bit dirty. It didn’t look horrible but I knew it had a winter of snow and dog traffic built up on it.

I pulled the trigger on the power washer nozzle. Water shot out carving a line on the patio. I was surprised by the stark difference between the grey dinge of the stone and the light white underneath. A stark contrast.

I released the nozzle, looking around for someone to tell, “Geez, would you look at that! This power washer works great!” I knew I couldn’t do the whole patio one thin line at a time so I changed the setting and continued meticulously blasting each brick.

The clean white of the patio was hard to find under the layers of grime, mold and yuck. It took several swipes with the nozzle, eventually revealing a clean patio.

Hearing the Pastor say “God doesn’t remember your sins once you’ve confessed them to Him.” Made me think of cleaning the patio.

I live my life day to day, not realizing the sins I may be committing. They could be big or small. A fib here, a remark there, underlying jealousy, an addiction or attitude. Honestly I sin every day. They add up, cling to me, like layers of grime, and yuck, hiding the beauty of Christ in me.

With time in Gods word and daily conversation with Him I can hear of His love for me, His grace and forgiveness. I can tell Him where I’ve sinned and fall short, asking His forgiveness and then knowing He “…remembers my sin no more”.

I remember them, continually fretting over them talking to Him about them again and again. He died on that cross for us, so our sins are forgiven and forgotten. I long to learn to live in that forgiveness. To confess these sins, to turn from them and step on in Him. This will involve a close daily relationship with Him as well as the open communication and a running dialog. Lord, you know me… cleanse my heart and mind, fill me with your spirit and turn me from sin.