I often think back over the years and where I was at this or that moment such as, “Hmm this time last year I was…” I tend to go back and dwell on the things i did or the places in life I was at that time.
I think of the people I hurt sometimes and how I could have done this thing or that thing differently. Then that results in self-condemnation and tears… Now I mean I also dwell upon the good things of Life and the things the Lord drew me out of as I felt as though I was drowning and i think of those things with the heart and mind of thankfulness toward Him. But why do we, ask yourself as I ask myself why do we go back into the past and dig out the dirty and down the hill parts of our lives only to condemn us for what has been forgiven. Its as though we move foward then throw our selves in our past and we move backwards. When the Bible tells us to press foward toward the mark of the High calling when he says in Romans 8:1 There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ.
Are we worthy of that? No! But he loves us and when we come to him with a heart that yearns for righteousness he forgives and allows us to move foward. Is that not awesome? It really is. I think we sometimes try to find something to hold onto something more to apoligize for just because we do not understand Gods Grace and Mercy and how true and faithful he is… The bible says When We confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.
Allow me to be personal here…. For instance year 2007 I did somethings that hurt the people I love the most and when I was a teen I was very rebellious against all over me and all who loved me. A little while ago maybe 2 or 3 months ago I was sitting at my computer. Allow me to get sidetracked…
As you can maybe see I started this blog in 2008 and not its 2009…
I did not realize I never published this., I would like to just conclude with my story i was sharing… Because looking back I remember that day. I had been sitting at my computer and started beating myself up, replaying every instance in my mind of how i hurt my family members and the harsh things i said and the way i was. Self condemnation, all over again in that very moment. In Christ there is forgiveness and hope and freedom. My family forgave me The Lord forgave me! Hallelujah. I realized as well that we can choose to condemn ourselves , living in the past. But the Lord does not want us to do that. Recall with me Psalm 103:
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
This speaks by itself. This is what Christ Jesus brings back to me constantly…
I pray that this encourages you heart. ANd remember, There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus!
AMen! YOu are His and you sit in the palm of His hand! He Is just, forgiving merciful, our redeemer and friend! Let us together worship Him for Who he is!
Don’t dwell on that which lies in the past- your dwelling place should be Christ. So dwell in Him!
