The Cost of Living in the Past

The past, living there requires a tremendous cost. There are the "What ifs?" that plague our minds. The "wishing I'd done this and not that." Satan loves for us to go there. He likes it when we camp out there, set up shop there, build a residence there. It's one of the simplest tools in his toolbox to distract us from the good in the present.
​There's an old song that reads:

Please, Mr., please, don't play B-17, It was our song, it was his song, but it's over. Please, Mr., please, if you know what I mean, I don't ever wanna hear that song again.

This post isn't about failed love attempts, although it certainly could be. I'm thinking today of mistakes made, regrettable decisions, hasty and foolish pride, sinful choices, and all the things we wish we had a Command-Z button in life for. Ah... that Command-Z button, how we need you today!

Isn't it wonderful though that God forgives the past, and we know this! The past is behind us, He has made us new. New creatures for His glory. There may be regret. Certainly there will be but we must not live there. All things are new. We have new and better choices to make today.

"And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ​Revelation 21:5

​If you are living in the past, with past regrets haunting you today, give them over to the Almighty God who loves you and forgives you and wants only the best for you. ​He has a plan to use those experiences for your good and His glory. It's a chapter in your story, not the whole book!

What Scripture passages do you go to when the past creeps up on you?