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Isiah 43:18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

How many of us are stuck in the past, concentrating on what someone did to us, 10, 15, or even 20 years ago, versus thanking God for today’s blessing?

When someone does us wrong, it’s not easy to shake it off, even if it took place many years ago, the pain, disappointment, and anger could be as strong today as it was felt when the transgression first took place.

The scripture says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Jesus said, even if the pain was so intense that we feel we can never forgive a person, we have to forgive them. We must wipe the slate clean, and we can with Jesus’ help.   Jesus knows everything about us and He knows how much we can bear.  He knows our struggles and He will guide us through our storms.

Holding onto pain allows it to fester and swell, almost like choking on a dry piece of meat, but God said He came to give us life and have it more abundantly.  Jesus does not want us to bring old problems into our new life. Jesus says if we are new creatures we must show the changes.

We have to learn to forgive and that is not an easy task.  Lord knows I pray every day but I also know that forgiveness is more for me, than it is for the person.

Isaiah 42:9 says, “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

In our new life, Jesus will show us new things, He has promised, but it’s up to us whether we want to continue in His Grace or decline His offer.

As for me, all old things has passed, and I am standing on His promises. I invite you to do the same.  Let God wrap you in His loving arms and show you the way out of your despair. Although life may contain many hurts and disappointments, it is also filled with the love of God, open your heart and let Him help you release your pain.

Be blessed in Jesus’ name.

(Mary Simmons is a columnist for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. She can be reached at aboxoflove37@gmail.com.)