Living in the past

​3-15-21
During Lent, I am continuing to share a daily thought with you about “something for you to give up that is spiritually unhealthy and to replace it with something that will be restoratively and spiritually positive.”   I believe this exchange will absolutely benefit you in your walk with Jesus.
Today’s devotion is based today on Jeremiah 29: 11—'For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Are you a person who is overly focused on the past with a regretful attitude over decisions made that leaves one saying, “If only I could-ah—should-ah—would-ah…done this or that.” If this is you, then let me encourage you to turn around and start looking forward.
You can’t do anything about the past, and if you become too caught up in decisions you made, you will immobilize yourself like Lot’s wife, who looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19).  She literally became frozen in time by looking backward.  Or, you may be that person who wants to move forward but never takes your eyes off the past.  That’s like driving a car forward while constantly looking in the rearview mirror.  A collision is inevitable if you don’t keep your eyes on the road. Your destiny is wrapped up in your future, not your past. So I encourage you to become a forward-looking person.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen; I come before you today, confessing my sins. Please forgive me when I have focused so much on the past that it has kept me from enjoying the present. Help me to look forward to your blessings and mercy in the future with joy and certainty of your presence.  In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.