Does the past cause you to live in shame and regret?
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 43: 18-19)
We may think of past accomplishments or the good ‘ole days and wish to return. It could be friendships or a time when there weren’t responsibilities to be concerned about. For some who presently live with health issues, they might desire to return to the past where their lives were different and their bodies were healthier. Maybe it is romantic relationship issues that cause us to ponder the “green grass” of yesterday.
God is a now God and desires for us to look ahead, not look back longing for the past.
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3: 13-14)
It’s okay to reflect on our past history including those we knew and loved, but we mustn’t allow our hearts and minds to remain there.
We’ve all experienced hurts in our past, which could be caused by a particular situation or somebody. We mustn’t allow ourselves to dwell on our personal “injustice,” but choose to move forward with Jesus looking forward to His blessings.
Guilt begins by looking back at bad choices and decisions. Yes, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Yes, we’ve all “blown” it. Yes, we’ve all been angry and hurt. Choosing to not dwell on our past but instead looking forward to what God is doing now and will do, should be our goal. We can’t change the past. D-O-N-E. Thankfully our sins are under the blood of Jesus! I know personally I have some regrets about my younger days, but instead of living in guilt, I choose to live in joy and freedom because the blood of Jesus washed my sins away. Now they’re gone! God continually reminds me that He “remembers no more..”
Making the decision to forgive those who have hurt us is a step toward victory. The devil loves for us to dwell on hurts and sins of our past. It’s a distraction and keeps our focus on ourselves, not on God. Satan will bring the decorations if we’ll allow him to throw us a “pity party.”
Friends, we can’t change the past, but we can look forward to the blessings that our loving Father has in store for us. It’s a new day!
I smile when I read the popular bumper stickers, “When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.” There’s much truth to this! Don’t live in the past, but live for today and the blessings ahead for you!
