Sometimes it is hard for me to forget the former things.
Because I keep a journal, I have a written record of many events of my life.
Even if my memory isn’t as good as it used to be, I have the ability to go back and remember the former things recorded by my pen.
During a recent Bible study, I was reminded that God doesn’t want me to dwell on my past.
Look what I found in the Isaiah 43:18-19!
18 “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
The Book of Philippians is a compassionate letter written by the Apostle Paul to help us learn to live as Christ. In that book I found another treasure.
Pressing toward the Goal – Philippians 3:12-14
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
I have many things in my life that I’m not proud of. It seems that the month of November brings reminders of such unfortunate events.
So I spent time this morning asking God to help me release my past to Him. But I won’t forget the lessons I’ve learned.
It set this captive free.
No longer will I dwell on many painful choices that occurred in the fall season of my life.
I was reminded of an amazing truth found in Philippians 1:12
It happened to me for my good…Philippians 1:12
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters,that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
As I look back on the stories in my journals, I am reminded over and again that God used those ugly things to draw me closer and to share His HOPE.
My dear friend, I pray that God has revealed His presence in your past.
May you come to know that He was there all along.
I’m asking Him to show you the HOPE that comes from turning it all to him.
Let Him help you forget the past.
He will shine a light on your future.
I pray for you daily. Asking God to reveal Himself to you in a real way.
Bless your heart with freedom from your past.
Gigi
