“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Embracing God’s Forgiveness
As we reflect on how to get over the past, we find that God’s forgiveness is profound and transformative. When we accept God’s forgiveness, we learn to forgive ourselves. We often hold onto feelings of guilt and shame, but through His grace, we can let go and embrace a new beginning. Realizing that we are not defined by our mistakes allows us to release the burdens that hold us back. God desires for us to find freedom in Him and move forward. His heart is full of love and mercy, inviting us to experience healing and renewal.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” – Isaiah 43:25
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Renewing Our Mind
To truly get over the past, we need to focus on renewing our minds. This transformation is an action we decide to embrace daily. When we fill our thoughts with God’s word and promises, we start to see our situations through a different lens. It empowers us to shift our perspectives, letting go of negative memories and cultivating positivity. The mind, when trained with scripture, becomes a fertile ground for hope and new beginnings, allowing us to rise above past hurts and grab hold of the brighter future God has envisioned for us.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Proverbs 23:7
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7
Ephesians 4:23
“To be made new in the attitude of your minds.” – Ephesians 4:23
Finding Peace in Christ
When we anchor our hope in Christ, we unlock a profound sense of peace that can soothe our troubled hearts from past memories. The chaos of our past cannot touch the calmness that Jesus brings. We can release our burdens into His hands and trust Him to provide comfort and healing. His presence helps us feel safe, allowing us to move forward without the weights of our past mistakes and regrets. Relying on this peace, we can face new challenges with confidence, embracing the future He has planned for us.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Romans 15:13
“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
Letting Go of Bitterness
Bitterness can trap us in our past, weighing down our spirits. It’s important for us to recognize that clinging to past disappointments or grievances can hinder our growth and healing. God calls us to release these heavy feelings and forgive those who have wronged us. Letting go opens our hearts to healing and love. By choosing to let go of bitterness, we allow God’s light to shine through us, restoring our joy and enabling us to move forward with grace.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Hebrews 12:15
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Understanding God’s Plan
It is essential to realize that God has a plan for our lives, one that can lead us to brighter days ahead. When we look back at our past, we may see obstacles, but God sees opportunities for growth and transformation. Acknowledging this divine purpose helps us to trust that He can work all things together for good. We can find strength in becoming involved in His plans and know that the pain we’ve experienced does not determine our future.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Psalm 37:23
“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” – Psalm 37:23
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Moving Forward with Hope
Lastly, moving past what we once were requires us to embrace hope. Hope is not simply wishful thinking; it is the assurance that God will fulfill His promises. By setting our focus on our future in Christ, we start to take steps toward a brighter tomorrow. Hope gives us the courage to let go of the past and take hold of the life God has called us to live. With this renewed mindset, we can face life’s challenges with joy and confidence.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Romans 15:13
“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
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Final Thoughts
As we ponder getting over the past, we can hold onto the fact that God’s forgiveness, peace, and hope are always available to us. We’ve explored how embracing God’s grace allows us to truly let go of burdens that hinder our growth. Renewing our minds gives us a fresh perspective while letting go of bitterness clears our hearts for healing. Trusting in God’s plan for us helps us reclaim our joy, knowing that our future is in His capable hands. As we move forward, we can embrace hope, which empowers us to rise above our past and step boldly into the life God has for us.
Let us encourage ourselves to explore other topics that can enrich our understanding of how to live joyfully and purposefully, such as forgetting the past and moving on and forgetting the past and moving forward. Each step we take in faith leads us closer to the destinies designed by our Creator.