Putting the Past Behind

" Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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) I truly believe that God wants us to regularly put the past behind us and find a place of "new beginnings."  Each day we can find a fresh place to begin no matter how difficult or challenging things are. He has given us new things in our lives and we will never see them if we live in and relive the past. Thinking about the past keeps us trapped in it. 

Because of the LORD' s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fails.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Today is a new day with new mercies. God's mercy is great and when we begin to receive it we can then give it out.

Meditate on the words of "Great is Thy Faithfulness."  I love to sing it to the Lord. 

We need to develop a positive attitude toward difficulties.  They can produce blessing and fruitfulness.  We need help to accept what we cannot change.  I pray the "Serenity Prayer" each morning.  There are so many things I can't change but He can.  I can't change the fact that I'm getting older, but I can change my attitude about it.  We need to take on an attitude of love, goodwill, and forgiveness toward others.  Remember that Jesus is the greatest attitude transformer.  What could be greater than His attitude within us?  Finally, we must learn to live one day at a time. 

By Carole 6/15/02 

Lovingly in Christ,
Carole

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him...
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song" (Psalm 28:7)