New Life in Christ: Letting Go of the Weight of Yesterday
Today is a new day. This week was a new week. Far too often we carry the weight of yesterday far longer than God ever intended. Every minute that ticks by is a step into a new portion of your day.
The Weight of Yesterday and New Life in Christ
Each year, month, week, and day will have its own set of mistakes, regrets, failures, and even painful memories. Many things will try to follow us into the future. The struggles of yesterday do not immediately disappear the moment we ask Jesus to save us. Yes, we are instantly forgiven, but the struggles of life will still be present.
Sometimes the hardest part to believe when we come to Jesus is that the terrible things of our past have truly been forgiven. We drag them along behind us like a ball and chain. Jesus forgives the moment we repent. Our sin is cast as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered again by our Heavenly Father.
We are a different story. It's hard for us to leave the past in the past. The devil knows where we have been, and he reminds us of these past mistakes and failures as often as he can.
God Is Writing a New Story
God is writing a much different story for our lives. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He came to give us life abundantly. He did not come to cast fear and regret over our lives. Fear is what the devil uses to plague, blind, and bind us.
Our Identity in Christ
The moment we choose Jesus, God gives us a new identity. The past does not define us. We have a new name and new life in Christ written in glory. We are now defined by our Savior and the sacrifice He gave for our freedom. This freedom gives us the ability to stand in awe before our Father and lift holy hands in praise for the gift of our salvation.
We are not who we once were because of who Jesus chose to be. The sacrificial Lamb of God freely gave His life for all humanity.
Choosing Grace Over Shame
Today and every day, we have a choice: dwell on the past or live in the grace and forgiveness of Christ. Shame will unnecessarily steal our peace, joy, and happiness. Jesus gave us new life; the devil has come to steal, kill, and destroy everything the Lord has planned for our lives.
A New Creature in Christ
Friend, remember who you are in Christ. The shame of the past is not your home. Close the door, lock it, and give Jesus the key. Your past is where you came from; it is not who you are now. You are a new creature in Christ Jesus. Live that life to the fullest.
Scripture
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”John 10:10 (KJV)
From My Heart
This post was inspired by my devotion "New Life" in His Name Is Jesus. It highlights this beautiful truth that in Christ, old things are passed away and all things become new. If you are learning to leave the past behind and embrace the life Christ has given you, I invite you to explore the book and discover more devotions filled with encouragement, Scripture, and prayer.
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