FORGET THE PAST, LOOK AHEAD

Red faced, embarrassed, I am tempted to look back and dwell on regrets that are hard to let go of.  Sometimes I just feel sad, wishing I had done differently. But I should quit that.. Once I agree with the Lord that I have sinned.  I am given permission to look ahead; "...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before...". Look for the Light, "... this is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all."  Philippians 3:13.; I John 1:5.

 If the failures, if the hurts and indignities laid on me by others (or even brought on all by myself) loom like a gathering storm, look forward. God is there. “A new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.” (I John 2:8). God will be in your future if you ask Him:  immediately, as soon as you repent and believe Him.

 Change your mind.  When a memory or fear threatens your peace, (they may come unbidden over and over), here is a powerful truth to put in its place. “I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His Name’s sake.” 1 Jn 2:12

 This habit will change your state of mind: memorize and have ready to say to yourself, “Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  Peace will come to you. I have done this over and over. James 4:7,8.

 The Word of God is “alive and active” for every believer. (Hebrews 4:12)