Must we face our past to move Joyfully into the future?
In my experience anyway, the answer to this question is YES! I’ve had to face, accept and move past it before I could move forward with JOY! And I’ve had to do this many times with many different situations. But I wouldn’t have been able to do that without my Jesus!
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge” (Psalm 51:4)
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10)
“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good” (Psalm 25:7).
As Paul is stating in Philippians 3 (click to read full chapter), putting no confidence in our own flesh but putting all our confidence in Christ. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. And then follow His example and don’t forget about the other people who don’t know Him yet.
Because……..
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Job 17:9 The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.
Proverbs 4:18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 33:18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
Proverbs 24:14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
And we will have……….
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
2 Timothy 4:6-9 My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again.
So I pray for me and I pray for you, that we will face the past, accept it but NOT be buried in it. That we will move forward JOYFULLY! Amen!
Click on the link to find out about even more reasons to be JOYFUL………
Rhonda Gould Coaching & Consulting 