Facebook does a good job of reminding us of the passage of time when they show us pictures that we posted 3, 7 or 11 years ago. Seeing my “past me” can be quite jarring at times. Sometimes I can remember exactly how I was feeling at the moment that picture was taken, and other times I have little or no memory at all of the entire event, though I obviously was there.
Viewing these pictures from the past provides me with a small time of introspection. Was I happy then? Am I different now? What have I learned? The Psalmist likes to look back and reflect too.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! (Psalm 25:7).
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent (Psalm 71:9).
Teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart (Psalm 90:12).
The Psalmist, like most of us, would rather God not remember our early years when we were perhaps wayward and reckless. Many a Facebook pic from the past we wish could be erased. Though Facebook may remember the errors of our ways, our God will not remember them. As the Psalmist says: “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered” (Psalm 130:3-4).
Looking at pictures from the past may make us feel old and may make us wonder about what the future holds in our advancing years. But we need to recall that just as God was with us in these snapshots of our lives gone by, he will be with us in the picture-worthy moments of our lives yet to be. As the writer to the Hebrews says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Our God-With-Us will never forsake us, no matter what year we are in.
The pictures from the past on Facebook instantly make us want to treasure the days God has given us on this earth. We shouldn’t take a second for granted. We are truly blessed by God with experiences and interactions with others that help us to grow as his children and cherish the gift of time. Days may seem to go by faster and faster, but that does not mean that we cannot use the time well to the glory of God, by serving and loving and living for him, as Christ did.
Watch for the next Facebook memory photo to pop up and let that time reminder renew your trust in the God of All Time.