“Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Is. 43:19

I handed the devil a tool – the stick of remembrance. I allowed him to stir the pool of hurt and pain. He swirled with great speed, until past grievances drenched me. I knew looking back at what bubbled behind me only spelled trouble. I fixed my gaze there anyway, just a moment too long. The enemy seized the stick I held out with great joy, laughing as pain coated me. Stunned at the reality of my own foolishness, anger welled up within me – a good anger, righteousness causing me to grab the stick back.

Pain from the past needs to stay in the past. Looking back dredges up fresh hurt, multiplying any current negativity. I possess no super powers to eradicate the past. Yet, I can keep my eyes fixed forward. When new hurts splash upon my heart, the towel of forgiveness dries me off. And the One who wipes away pain, does so with gentleness and great care. He urges me to look ahead. New roads await me. The pools of pain behind me are…behind me! Anticipating the journey ahead with joy gives rise to a great start.

Our Creator is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. He promises to make new roads, better beginnings. My job – stop looking back. Eyes ahead, I’m on my way.

Stirring the Pot
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