by Ann Elaine Broughton

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV).

So how are you at forgetting your past sins and pressing on towards your goal that God as commissioned you to do? It is difficult isn’t it? I wish I could be like my friend who seems to forget everything. I, on the other hand, have a keen memory of my past mistakes. It is difficult for me to leave all this in the past and not think about it on occasion. Maybe you have this problem too. Let’s see what we can do to stop this cycling of bad thoughts.

I am a fan of Christian singers, Phillips, Craig, and Dean. They have a song called, Tell Your Heart To Beat Again. It is a great song about forgiving yourself and moving on. You can get all caught up in your past sins and feel so remorseful. The words of the chorus touched me so much because it feels like this sometimes.

Tell your heart to beat again

Close your eyes and breathe it in

Let the shadows fall away

You’ll live to love another day

Yesterday’s a closing door

And you don’t live there anymore

So say goodbye to where you’ve been

And tell you heart to beat again.

It is so easy to get caught up in the past and forget about what a wonderful future lays ahead, especially eternal life. It is time to close the door on the past and look forward to the plan God has for your life.

God has erased your sin as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) So don’t wallow in self degradation over it. It is time to praise God for His mercy and grace and try not to give in to temptation again.

Dear Lord,

I know that you have forgiven me of my past sins. Help me to forgive myself and move on. Help me to stop thinking of my mistakes, and instead think about the future you have planned for me. Help me to press on to the prize that you have for me, eternal life.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen