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Forget The Past

Paul knew what he was talking about, he had plenty of shame and regret over his past as a perpetrator of brutal persecution and then, after his conversion, trauma as a victim. However, he was focused on Christ and so could forget his past. Many of us have had a door we slammed shut in our minds - painful memories we did not want to think about. We run away or make ourselves busy to distance ourselves from them.  But how can you truly forget?  

There is abundant research showing forgiveness is associated with good mental health. 

Forgiveness is a kingdom currency, and it is said that to forgive, is a gift for you and me.  The simple act of forgiveness releases us from replaying the past in our minds and sets us free.

On the other side, you might find yourself stuck in thinking so highly of your past, ‘the glory days’, or reminiscing on things that were your greatest successes. Follow-up thoughts might be that ‘my best is behind me, and it’s all done for me; there are no good things left to come!’  This kind of thinking gets you stuck and stops you from being fully present, or from dreaming about your future. So, what is the remedy?

Paul says that he, in fact, counts it all garbage. That is, his shameful past, his former glories, everything he has lost is worthless to him when he considers what he has in fact gained – Jesus!  Your best is not behind you but is ahead in the beautiful future that God has for you. As we spend time with Jesus, he takes us from glory to glory and strength to strength. 

So, don’t let shame or regret hold you captive any longer!  Spend time focusing your mind on the face of Jesus and the transforming, redemptive work he is doing in your life.

Questions:

1. Is there anyone you need to forgive? A parent? Yourself?   

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to heal any memories that trouble you.  

3. Spend time with Jesus dreaming about the future and ask him, where are you leading me next?