I've been thinking and reading a lot about forgiveness recently. I guess the older that we get, the more that we realize how many mistakes that we've committed, foolish choices that we've made, and careless words that we've said, and end up regretting ill-chosen paths, deeds, or conversations. I know that Christ forgives me, but I honestly struggle with forgiving myself. I can't seem to let go of the past, so I carry it with me and end up with more than a few sleepless nights.

I don't want to become a victim of my past mistakes or to be held hostage by my stupidity, but neither do I want to be continually wishing that things were different or reflecting where I would be if I had followed another path. I want to live with what's left of my life without being under a shadow of gloom and despondency. I want to enjoy whatever is in front of me without constantly living backwards. I guess that I want to follow C.S. Lewis's advice of running onwards and upwards as I prepare to meet Christ face-to-face.

I think that the psalmist experienced something similar, especially when he wrote these amazing words:

Psalm 103:10 – [The Lord] does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (NIV)

These words give me hope and release me from being vexed about my sins. Through Christ, I am totally forgiven, so there is a lot of room to forgive myself.

Perhaps, you are going through something similar, and maybe, you are feeling the same things. I hope that you will also realize that God's grace is greater than anything that you've foolishly done, and that Christ's love is larger than any regret that you still hold.

Point to ponder: What do I need to let go from the past, so that I can move forward with God into the future?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything, so there's nothing that we can hide from You. You could punish us with that knowledge, but instead, You save us from our worst selves. Thank You for Your complete compassion and godly grace. In Your holy name, we humbly and gratefully pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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