I recently read this excerpt from a newspaper article and it hit home for me as I occasionally tend to be a “could have”, “would have”, “should have” kind of person.  Here is what Bryan Golden wrote:

When driving in your car, the review mirror lets you see what is coming up behind  you. On the road, vehicles in back follow too closely, hit you, or pass you. But, if you try driving with only looking  in the rearview mirror, you won’t get very far before you crash. The highway of life is different. On this road, the events behind you stay behind you and move further away with each passing day. There are only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, any time spent looking behind you, into the past, robs you of time to look forward into the future.

These words are very true.  We can’t change the past. The value of the bygone days is they can teach us what to change, refine and improve when moving forward. When we fixate on yesterday, forward movement stops. Concentrating on the past can cause a great deal of stress, anxiety and depression.

No one knew this truth more than the apostle Paul, the writer of Philippians when he wrote these words in chapter 3: 13. No, 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…

In his early life, Paul led a very sinful existence, was an enemy of God and persecuted Christians. He then experienced the salvation of Jesus Christ, and was forgiven by God. It was then Paul turned from his old ways. He quit looking into his past and instead, focused on the time ahead. He became a disciple that  helped change the world with God leading him.

Not everything about our past is detrimental to remember. We should have fond memories of times that were fulfilling and positive. They should stay a memory that gives us joy, but God has other plans for us.  He wants us to look to what is in store for us, focus on all the work He is doing and the blessings surrounding us. He  wants us to listen to Him and go where He guides us to fulfill His upcoming plans for our lives.

An acceptance of the past is the first step to being at peace with ourselves. We may not like what transpired in our former days, but we can’t change it. When thinking about life, no amount of guilt can amend the past and no amount of anxiety can alter the future. Always remember God loves us unconditionally allowing us to be forgiven through the acceptance of  His Son, Jesus Christ.  We are forgiven for our past (and present) sins.  Let go and let God guide us to a brighter and more rewarding life doing His work. Thanks be to God!

Patty