We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

A few years ago, a friend sent a telegram to ten trusted individuals with the message: “All is discovered. Flee at once!” All ten left the country immediately. That practical joke may not have been funny for the victims, but I’ve often wondered what was in their minds that made them depart so hastily.

Technology being what it is today, there are few secrets. Perhaps you have an unlisted phone number to protect your privacy, but if you give your phone number when you purchase an airline ticket or fill out a credit application, your phone number is no longer private. It goes into data banks that can be accessed on the Internet in about three keystrokes. Furthermore, if you have ever been involved in a lawsuit, that information is readily accessible to the general public. Technology is not always your friend.

Of course, God has always had instant access. The writer of Hebrews says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of the One to Whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13). Someday, even the secrets of the heart will be revealed by God, who will then judge us according to our works. That thought would send shivers down my spine apart from the understanding that God forgives, clears the slate, and even removes the offense from the Divine memory.

Is there anything in the data bank of your memory that God hasn’t dealt with because you have never sought forgiveness? If the answer is yes, you need to ask God to deal with that, to forgive you, to blot it out of memory. Does God do that? Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, even I, am the One who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

The grace of God embraces forgiveness, which allows me to be completely whole and forgiven. The nagging worry of “What if this were found out?” vanishes when you realize what the Scriptures say about God’s forgiveness.

Search our hearts, most loving Creator, that we might realize our sins and come to You, Who is waiting and willing to forget our transgressions!