Sometimes we pause to remember and reflect on special childhood memories, birthdays or holidays with loved ones, or the celebration of accomplishments or successes.

Other times, failures or poor choices made in our past sneak up to haunt and torment us. When that happens, what are we to do?

The prophet Isaiah and the apostle Paul give great guidance:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14).

When our failures sabotage our thoughts, we might pause to remember what we learned from them and that we are determined not to repeat them. Then, let them go. If Jesus taught that we should forgive others “seventy times seven”, then surely, He forgives us when we repent. The slate is wiped clean.

Meditate on this instead: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV).

Today is a day to move forward. Let us step into where God is leading us . . . even if we are afraid. Let’s replace regrets from the past with hope for the future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).