Juggling LifeSample

Moving Past Your Past

Why is it so easy to hear the words “you need to leave the past behind” and yet so hard to do? Does holding onto the past allow a victim mentality that’s used as an excuse for not pushing forward, for not forgiving, for not having so much more than we’re presently experiencing?

Do you let a fear of the future keep you frozen, stuck in a place called “barely getting by” instead of thriving in God’s land called “more than enough”? Have you ever wanted to be a part of something new, something exciting, but then you heard a voice in your mind taunting you, saying, “Remember how you failed the last time you tried something new?” Or “Don't be silly you can’t do that.” Now is the time, and this is your opportunity to let God’s voice override that ugly condemning voice of discouragement that wants to derail God's best for your life.

Don’t let your past hold you back from the new things God wants to do in, for, and through you. Isaiah 43:18 says to “forget the past.” In modern English, “what's happened, happened,” and "what's done is done." So stop using your energy to re-create your past by allowing God's spirit, and your God-given gifts, to forge your new future.

You are a new person in Christ. The old way of life and thinking is gone, and the new way of living and believing is here. According to 1 Corinthians 2:16, you have the mind of Christ. This means that you share in the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, no matter what comes against you or wants to defeat you.

Give every worry, care, concern, and problem to Him. He wants you to trust in Him and His ability. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” This is a daily choice, and it can even be a moment-by-moment decision not to allow what’s come against you to get in you or have any power over you.

Let your mind meditate on Philippians 4:8, which says to keep your mind fixed on what’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and everything worthy of praise!

Reflection: Are you being controlled by your past? Think about the ideas mentioned in Philippians 4:8. As you think about these things, realize that these are all found in Christ.