Forget what lies behind and strain forward

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Phil. 3:13 ESV)

Have you ever looked back over your past and cringed when you remembered some negative decision you had made, or something you had said you wish you could take back? I have, and I would love to go back and fix them. But, the reality of it is, that there are no do-overs. You can, however, learn from your mistakes and work to avoid making the same ones in the future.

Godly grief produces repentance

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Cor. 7:10 ESV)

Forgiveness from the past and hope for the future

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isa. 43:18-19 ESV)

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” (Joel 2:25 ESV)