Letting Go of Yesterday

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)

Life has its fair share of ups and downs, sunsets and sunrises. It's a beautiful journey marred only when we become ensnared by the thorns of yesterday's troubles. How many of us lie awake at night, our thoughts hijacked by regret, failure, or unresolved issues? How many of us wake up only to have the new morning stained by yesterday’s ink?

Remember, the sun setting is an end as well as a beginning; it signifies closure but also holds the promise of a new dawn. Dwelling on past events can serve as an obstacle, barricading the path to a joyful and fulfilling present. When we keep our eyes glued to the rearview mirror, we miss the stunning view right before us.

The Bible is filled with tales of redemption and fresh starts. Consider Apostle Paul, who was once Saul, a persecutor of Christians. After a divine encounter with Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life underwent a drastic change. Imagine if he had been unable to shake off his old identity. If Paul had dwelt on his past actions, he would never have written a significant portion of the New Testament and become one of Christianity’s greatest apostles.

He wrote, inspired by the Holy Spirit, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

It’s not just about missing out on today's blessings; sometimes, dwelling on the past provides fertile ground for seeds of bitterness, anxiety, and negativity to grow. In the Book of Job, we see a man who lost everything—his health, his wealth, and his family. While he questioned and lamented his predicament, he did not let despair win. In the end, his fortunes were restored many times over, not just because he was faithful but also because he did not get caught up in his past suffering.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Dear child of God, consider this: dwelling on the past is like making a deal with satan, who is described as a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). When we focus on what has been, we offer up our time—our most precious, non-renewable resource—as a sacrifice on the altar of yesterday. But Lord Jesus came so that we might have life and have it to the fullest. Rise up! God is doing a new thing in your life.

Letting Go of Yesterday

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