Have you ever done something that you regret? Uh, duh. Ok, I know we have all done plenty, plenty of things that if given the opportunity, we probably wouldn’t do it again.
However, when it happened, you asked the persons involved for forgiveness and most importantly you asked God to forgive you and he did.
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalms. 103:12(ESV)
God forgave you and has once again wiped your slate clean all because of the sacrifice of his son.
Even though you know that you’re forgiven you start thinking about your past mistakes and cringing. Every vivid detail is just flashing in your mind’s eye and you’re also going over every possible way you could have avoided doing them in the first place.
You are not alone. I have been there so many times. I’m a daydreamer and if I don’t snap out of it my mind takes a trip down memory lane; a deep place where the devil likes to bring up past hurts and make them fresh.
He just loves to accuse the brethren.
I’m here to help you today. You won’t kick this habit away this side of heaven but there are some things that you can do that will help you when your past comes knocking and the devil wants you to doubt your worth in God.
Here are 4 things to do when your past comes knocking:
1. Change your mindset.
Ok, I know this one is a given but it works. As soon as you start thinking about your past mistakes change the topic in your head.
Start a conversation with someone. Start thinking about what you’re going to have for lunch. Start singing a song that brings worship to God.
If you have a life verse or a favorite passage of scripture start reciting it. As long as what you start thinking of brings glory to God and gets your mind off of your past, change your mindset.
2. When your past comes knocking you can Meditate
Well, changing my mindset didn’t work because the songs or food led me to remember something else horrible from my past. Ok then, now you should meditate.
No, this is not what you’ve seen on T.V where someone sits cross-legged and holds their hands up in a specific position as they hum. No girl, this is on someone specific. Put all your focus on God and who he is and what he has done.
Right now, your perspective needs changing and you can devote your time to thinking about God. You will eradicate any negative thoughts about yourself because you will realize that it’s really not about you; it’s about God.
3. Remember God’s words are true and faithful
I spoke about scripture in changing your mindset but you can never have enough of God’s word. This time it’s not just about God’s word and reciting or memorizing scripture but thinking about the promises that he has given to you.
When the devil tries to get you to remember your past, God wants you to look to the future.
When the devil reminds you of your failures, God wants to remind you that your sins are forgiven.
For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalms. 33:4 (NIV)
You can rest assured that what God has written in his words is directed to you and is for you. This will also be a good time to remember who you are in Christ.
4. Encourage Yourself
Now that you know that God’s words are true and faithful you can encourage yourself in the Lord.
That famous scene in the movie, War Room where Priscilla Shirer spoke the promises of God over her marriage and family life can be an inspiration for you.
She knew what God promised in his word and she let the devil know that he had no place in her life or thoughts and that God was in total and complete control.
My sister, you know exactly what you’re going through so you know all the verses that apply.
Why don’t you preach to yourself? Yes, go right ahead start quoting those verses over your mind and heart and let Christ take control of the situation.
It’s all up to you
When your past comes knocking let God’s word saturate your mind.
When the enemy tries to tell you that you’re not good enough for a certain situation because of something that happened long ago let him know that God has forgiven, restored, and equipped you.
He will continue to equip you until the day you get to Glory.
There are probably other things that you can do when your past comes knocking, tell me what do you do? Leave your answer in the comments.
Read this great article and get a free printable with seven verses to remember when the devil reminds you of your past.
I hope you were encouraged and thanks for stopping by, I love you with the love of Christ. Join me as I love everyone God’s way.
Keneesha 🙂
