If there is anything that clutters the mind, it is the ceaseless, never-ending replay of bad memories. Reliving the past keeps us stuck in a place we don’t really want to be.
To be sure, there are lessons to be learned from the past. I’m not advocating wiping out memories. It is said, those that don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
Worrying has no benefit
But if you replay the event over and over in your mind, even after you’ve repented and asked forgiveness and made things right if there was any way possible to do it, then you have a problem.
You cannot change one iota of what happened. Not one ounce of worry will make the least bit of difference.
Jesus asked this very important question:
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Matthew 6:27 nlt
What is the solution?
I’ve said it before; but it bears repeating, you get to choose what thoughts you allow in your brain. You have the opportunity to leave the past behind and let it go. Is it easy? No! But it’s not easy to live in the pain of regret, either.
I think the apostle Paul gave us some good advice:
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, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
I think Paul knew what it was like to have burning regrets. After all, he calls himself the chief sinner because he persecuted the church of God before his eyes were opened to the truth. (You can read more about it in Acts 22.)
Talk about memories that would haunt you!
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
1 Timothy 1:14-17 NKJV
Your mess ups are not as big as God’s forgiveness
If God can forgive Paul who persecuted His followers, I think both you and I can be forgiven as well. God went on to do amazing things with Paul once he had surrendered his life to the Lord.
He can do the same with me and you. If we turn from our sin, ask forgiveness, then head in the right direction, focusing on the joy of meeting our Lord in person when this life is through, I think there are spiritual riches waiting on us.
Let’s don’t allow ourselves to get sidetracked or burnt out. Purge out the thoughts of failure and unworthiness and press on!
This is day eleven of my series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life,” examining a life free from the clutter of both wrong thoughts, attitudes, expectations, and too-full calendars, as well as physical clutter. You can click here to see all the links to the series.
I’m joining a host of writers participating in a Write28Days challenge sponsored by Anita Ojeda. My life being what it is, I’m starting 3 days behind, but writing 28 days does not have to be defined by the month of February. I’m simply promising to write for 28 days. If life interrupts, as it often does, I may have to skip a day here and there. The goal is to write 28 times on my subject, “A Rich and Satisfying Life,” consecutively … or not!
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
I’m sharing this post at Tell His Story, InstaEncouragments Link-Up, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee