One of the biggest obstacles to enjoying our present lives is our tendency to hang on to the past. Focusing on our previous successes or failures can prevent us from moving forward. We keep looking at what used to be and miss out on all that’s happening right now. 

Dwelling on our previous successes can create insecurities that stall our progress. We can start to wonder if those “glory days” really were the best days of our lives. What if we don’t have what it takes to achieve even more than we have already accomplished? The good news is that God isn’t finished with you yet! He has even greater things in store for you. Today is your day to step into the wonderful plans that He has for you.

Staying focused on the negative things in our past inhibits new growth. We need to redirect our thoughts to this present moment. Right now is the perfect time to start looking ahead instead of behind. Stop asking “why” and start asking “what’s next.” Choose to forgive. Seek forgiveness. Give yourself permission to just. move. on. Perhaps you have some particularly difficult issues to deal with, such as painful memories due to abuse, abandonment, or trauma. Be good to yourself and get some professional help. You don’t need to live as a victim any longer. Jesus came so that we can live in victory. Take a step of faith and begin to claim that victory today!

Letting go of the past sets us free to embrace our lives now. Make the choice to be fully present in each moment today.

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” ~Phil. 3:12-14