Jerry Maxfield, Guest Contributor

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Behold, I will do something new…”   Isaiah 43:18,19

We’ve all heard it said, “Let bygones be bygones”.  Don’t dwell on the past; move on!  That’s reasonable advice for the most part, as history is history and cannot be changed.  However, the original version of that phrase, penned by Samuel Rutherford in 1636, actually had a more spiritual connotation: “Pray that byegones betwixt my Lord and me may be byegones”.  In other words, Rutherford’s saying, “Lord, let whatever’s come between you and me, be forgiven and left behind.”

Too many times, we wallow in the guilt of deeds past and refuse the liberation of God’s forgiveness.  We must realize that Jesus, the very Son of God, died upon a cross for us.  He suffered the consequences of your sin and mine–past, present, and future.  His death provided atonement for the ultimate penalty of spiritual death.  Our sin is forgiven through His sacrifice.  In fact, the psalmist reminds us that “as far as the east is from the west, so far He removed our transgressions (sins) from us.” (Psalm 103:12).  What a promise!

By believing in Jesus, He will truly do something new in your life.  Of course, in our human condition, we will struggle with our sin.  But through the strength of the Holy Spirit, our convicted hearts continue to repent and realign ourselves with His will. The “new” He has created in our hearts produces a desire to please Him in the here and now.  We can leave the past behind and dwell on the grace and promise of the future with Him.

In the days ahead, may your focus be on the love Christ has for YOU.  Live for Him. Trust Him.  Allow Him to be your comfort and guide.  Embrace the new that is before you every day. And let your bygones be bygones!

DIG DEEPER:
Read “Why Do We Need Forgiveness?” by Bryant Wright