Dig it up!

He reveals profound mysteries beyond man’s understanding. He knows all hidden things, for he is light, and darkness is no obstacle to him.—Daniel 2:22

I couldn’t say no.  A chance to get together with longtime friend Tracy and explore history—I’d definitely go—despite the scorching heat.

There we were standing on the grounds of an archaeological dig, wiping sweat from our brow, in the oppressive 90-degree temperature, listening to Tracy’s son Christopher deliver a crash course in Archaeology 101.  A student at St. Mary’s College, Christopher was involved in archaeological field work at Historic St. Mary's City, the site of the fourth permanent settlement in British North America.  He invited us to tour the site to see what his team had uncovered—literally.  I listened intently as he pointed out the varying layers of soil, notably marked by differences in color and texture, including the plow zone, which extends beneath the surface to the depth at which a plow would penetrate.  He explained how his team had dug a pit and stopped when they reached a black plastic barrier left behind by a previous team, indicating their stopping point. I was in awe as Christopher shared treasured findings, such as broken pottery, fence lines and outlines of colonial homes, including the brick foundation of the Brome-Howard house—surprisingly built on the foundation of the Calvert home.

I stepped to the other side of the dig, retreating to the welcoming shade of a nearby tree, and pondered the gift of archaeology—the opportunity to step back in time.  Digging up artifacts sheds light on an era—its people, their customs, their treasures, and their decision-making.

Philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

I wonder how many of us have repeated our mistakes, like the Israelites who repeatedly disobeyed God.  Failing to remember what He had done for them in the past, they failed to trust Him for their future.  Their consequence?  Repeating laps around the desert for 40 years.  (See the book of Numbers.)

How many of us have tried to hide our sin—or our pain and regret—beneath a barrier that we dare not let anyone remove?  We hide behind our plastic smiles as if everything is okay, but the truth is we are far from it.  How many of us have made poor decisions which have shattered our lives?  Perhaps we’ve been the victims of abuse and have plowed those memories far beneath the surface—those hurtful words, bitterness, and unforgiveness.  Has it become our custom to harbor resentment?  Have we built the foundation of our life on how others have lived theirs?

The truth is we all experience disappointment—disappointment with ourselves, others, or how our lives have played out. But God sees all.  Nothing is hidden from Him.  So maybe it’s time for us to be honest.  Pull back the barrier, dig up the junk, and bring it in the light. Let us ask forgiveness for our sin and forgive others for theirs (Colossians 3:13), never holding grudges, for neither does God (Micah 7:18).  Let us bring all our broken pieces to Him, for “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)  He never disappoints!

Let us not forget our past, but learn from it and use it for good—to tell of all the wonderful things the Lord has done (Psalm 9:1).  Let us agree with King David as he says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” – Psalm 103:2-3

 

God sees all. In fact, His “eyes…range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9) You can trust Him.  He will do what He says.  No sweat!

Dear Lord, there is nothing I can hide from You.  You see all; You know all.  And even when my life seems like a mystery, You have a plan to use my history for good.  Thank You for all Your benefits, including forgiveness for my sin and healing of all my ills.  May my life be an artifact of your mercy and grace. Amen.