Write From My Heart / December 22, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 22
Question: Am I dwelling on the past and/or on things I can’t control?
Isaiah 43:18 (NIV) Forget former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) But one thing I do; 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.
Hindsight is the ability to understand a situation or event only after it has happened; and as the old saying goes, “Hindsight is a wonderful thing.” Another expression that comes to mind is any of the variations of, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Clearly there is an appropriate time to look at our past in order to make changes for future situations.
The problem for some of us seems to be taking our sins and failures to our Heavenly Father, but not leaving our sins with him. When by Christ’s sacrifice we are forgiven, God no longer remembers the offense we brought to him. Now, there may yet be consequences of our actions which we might have to endure, but the sin itself is no longer there. Dwelling on it—reliving it over and over in our mind—doesn’t allow us to move forward.
One characteristic I notice in people who appear mentally and emotionally stable is that they never seem to waste time feeling sorry for themselves or dwelling in the past. They generally don’t waste time with things they can’t control. We all have things in our past we wish we could correct or go back and fix. However part of the nature of being a Christian is moving forward.
Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV) You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
God’s desire for us doesn’t include wallowing in the past nor does it include obsessing over things only he can control. His forgiveness allows us to gain a new perspective, adjust our attitude, and move forward. At the risk of using humor too lightly, sometimes when I’m tempted to bring up an old issue in my prayers, I imagine God responding, “Wait a minute, didn’t we already have this discussion once?” It may sound too silly but it helps me acknowledge his forgiveness and move forward. As for things beyond our control, we must trust that God truly knows and desires those things that will allow us to move forward as a child of his.
Resolution: Acknowledge forgiveness, rely on God’s wisdom, and move forward.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we get bogged down in memories of past wrongs. Thank you for forgiveness offered through the saving grace of Christ. Guide us in a new attitude of moving forward toward your Kingdom.
In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.
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