‘Forget the former things, says the Lord, do not dwell in the past.’ Isaiah 43:19
It usually happens in the middle of the night, my mind flicks back to something I have done wrong in the past., someone I failed to support or encourage. I remember the wrong paths I have taken or the periods of time I spent apart from God. My mind goes round and round and sleep becomes elusive.
It is a useless exercise and completely unproductive. The past is past, I can’t contact the people I may have harmed and the years wasted are also gone. At these times during the night I need to pray. I know that God has forgiven me, now I need to forgive myself yet again. Through the Holy Spirit speaking to me I know that the past mistakes and subsequent forgiveness have strengthened my faith and built me to the person I am today.
But my story is not over, in front of me are months or even years that God has plans for me and work He needs me to do. God has not revealed these to me yet but I can look forward with excitement and anticipation. There is purpose and enjoyment ahead. As I get older I will not be so physically strong but there is still work for me to do.
As we read in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’