But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:40-43
We all have regrets in life. Whether it’s not reaching out to the stranger we passed on the street today or missing the chance to tell someone we love them, we all know what it’s like to wish we had a do-over.
Some mistakes we make are small. We forget our keys in the car. We misplace an important paper. And the consequences, though real, are small too. We have to call someone to unlock our car. We spend extra time looking.
Other mistakes we make in our lives are bigger. So big, in fact, that we can’t seem to forgive ourselves. These mistakes are the ones that cause us to lose sleep, to toss and turn, wishing we had a chance to take it all back and relive that part of our life. “I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance.” If we could change it, we wouldn’t have to live with this guilt.
Mistakes like these are what “Lucy” is about. A young couple finds themselves pregnant with a child they aren’t ready to have. They end up aborting the child but then live with the guilt and pain that comes with the choice. “I’ve gotta live with the choices I made. And I can’t live with myself today.”
Even after all we do wrong, when we become murderers, liars, and thieves, there’s still someone who forgives us when we repent. He says, “I love you, and you are mine.” Who would want to claim us, even in our weakness? Even more, who would claim our mistakes as his own, writing his name in blood over each of our sins?
“But all I got are these roses to give and they can’t help me make amends.” We can’t make up for our wrongs. We can’t give more to cover up the past. It’s only by grace that we are forgiven, only by God that we are made new. We can help the hurt by mending relationships broken by sin and fixing some of the damages, but we can’t undo it. We need a savior. Thankfully, we have one.
He is Jesus. He loves us and died for us, and because of him we are washed clean. He’s there for us always, no matter what mistakes are in our past. And while we still have to deal with the consequences of our choices, we also know that when we repent, we receive forgiveness. If Jesus has forgiven us, then shouldn’t we learn to forgive ourselves? It doesn’t mean that we are okay with the sin, just that we learn to let go and not let it rule our lives. If we’re so stuck beating ourselves up over the past, how productive are we being in the present? It’s time to make a choice and start over again. Every day is a new opportunity. Don’t waste yours today.
Check out the album here. Don’t forget to scroll down for the video and lyrics. Leave your comments below!
Lyrics:
Hey Lucy, I remember your name
I left a dozen roses on your grave today
I’m in the grass on my knees, wipe the leaves away
I just came to talk for a while
I got some things I need to say
Chorus:
Now that it’s over
I just wanna hold her
I’d give up all the world to see that little piece of
heaven looking back at me
Now that it’s over
I just wanna hold her
I’ve gotta live with the choices I made
And I can’t live with myself today
Hey Lucy, I remembered your birthday
They said it’d bring some closure to say your name
I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance
But all I got are these roses to give
And they can’t help me make amends
Chorus
Here we are
Now you’re in my arms
I never wanted anything so bad
Here we are
For a brand new start
Living the life that we could’ve had
Me and Lucy walking hand in hand
Me and Lucy never wanna end
Just another moment in your eyes
I’ll see you in another life
In heaven where we never say goodbye
Here we are, now you’re in my arms
Here we are for a brand new start
Got to live with the choices I’ve made
And I can’t live with myself today
Me and Lucy walking hand in hand
Me and Lucy never wanna end
Got to live with the choices I’ve made
And I can’t live with myself today
Hey Lucy, I remember your name
wow i feel ashamed, i had no clue that lucy was about an abortion:( that makes the song even more sad.
Wow! The song always gets me emotional. When I found out the meaning behind it a few months ago, I get even more emotional. This devotional, though, is a great reminder, a great encouragement that we have Jesus, no matter what we have done, or what we think of ourselves or the situations. Thank you for sharing this message.
Good song, good lyrics, good devotional, and a good reminder of God’s forgiveness(we always need to remember that).
Thanks
Such a good devotional. I had a friend in college that had an abortion and I was appalled that she did it. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t my job to judge her but only to love her.
God’s love is awesome.