I have spent much of my life, looking back. I have wonderful memories.
Memories are a Gift of God. But those places of joy from the past are meant to be visited. We don’t live there any more.
Lingering too long in “the good old days” can cause us not to experience the joy of this day.
It is not “those were the days.” Rather it is
“This is the day The Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
I have regrets from the past. Some things I did or didn’t do still bother me. Satan would like us to keep regurgitating the misery and chew on it all over again. However, if we have repented of our sins, God has forgiven us. We can rest easy in The Truth.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
And He will remember our sins no more. Why should we remember what God forgets!
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:34
I have hurts from the past. Some people I consciously fully forgave. But God has reminded me of those people I only partially forgave. When we say, “I may forgive, but I will never forget,” we are keeping the doors open for the hurts to keep coming back.
We should close the doors firmly on the misdeeds of others. However, we should continue to pray for them in this present day. Pray they will be the people God created them to be. Pray for The Joy of The Lord to fill them and spill over on everyone they meet.
Claim Jeremiah 31:34 as your God given Gift to them.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
When you reflect on your past, realize that every experience you have had has brought you to this moment. You are stronger, wiser and more prepared than ever before to do the work God is calling you to do right now.
Visit your past for The Joy of good memories. Take them back into your present as seashells brought back from the beach. But toss anything else into the depths of God’s Great Ocean.
Breathe in the fresh air of this new day. It is truly the first day of the rest of your life!
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19
Dear Carolyn,
I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying your daily devotionals. I commend you on their length. The shorter entries help make their reading very doable in the mix of a busy day. Of course, your insight is always spot on.
Thanks a million.
Tom